The Human Library is a community event designed to build a positive framework for dialogue that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through one-on-one conversations. In this context of “Unjudge Someone”, we offer human “Books” to “Readers” for a 25-minute personal and honest conversation in a safe space. This format allows people to gain insight into the lives of others, creating compassion and connection as the barriers of misconceptions are broken down.
The Human Library is a community event designed to build a positive framework for dialogue that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through one-on-one conversations. In this context of “Unjudge Someone”, we offer human “Books” to “Readers” for a 25-minute personal and honest conversation in a safe space. This format allows people to gain insight into the lives of others, creating compassion and connection as the barriers of misconceptions are broken down.
The event is an opportunity for those who have faced prejudice to tell their story and show who they really are, as well as a chance for others to change their preconceived ideas. The Books are people who have experienced discrimination and disadvantages or stereotypes and stigma based on ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, occupation, ability, social status, health, or other aspects of self, both visible and invisible.
The Human Library or “Menneskebiblioteket” as it is called in Danish, was created in Copenhagen in the spring of 2000 by Ronni Abergel and his brother Dany and colleagues Asma Mouna and Christoffer Erichsen.
The original event was open eight hours a day for four days straight and featured over fifty different titles. The broad selection of books provided readers with ample choice to challenge their stereotypes and so more than a thousand readers took advantage leaving books, librarians, organisers and readers stunned at the reception and impact of the Human Library..
If you have questions about our Human Library event, please email Melissa Baker at mbaker@wiltonlibrary.org
