The Human Library™ is designed to build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue.
Human Library FAQ
AACPL's Human Library seeks to engage our community in civic conversation by providing an opportunity for people to connect one-on-one with those they might otherwise never have a chance to talk – people who may have life experiences, stories, or beliefs different from their own. The public library is an organization dedicated to serving its entire community regardless of background, economic status, age, and human condition. A Human Library event reflects the mission of our library and like the public library, it reflects the needs and interests of the community. Just like borrowing a book from the library, you can "check out" a human book for a 20-minute conversation.
AACPL serves a large geographic population. We would like to help our community look at our assumptions through a complete lens and present bias from multiple angles. Having a conversation with someone in a Human Library can bridge differences in showing our similarities, that first and foremost, we are human. We would like to help strengthen these community connections by encouraging people to engage in conversation and share their different life experiences. Readers will be able to enjoy the oral tradition of storytelling and meet new people with fascinating stories.
The first Human Library was created in 2000 by a Copenhagen group in response to violent prejudicial sentiments witnessed in their country. Since then, more than 70 countries have held Human Library events. AACPL submitted an application to the Human Library organization to hold an event in our community and committed to using the organization's model for our program. Similar programs have been held at other academic and public libraries across the country, some use the Human Library organization's format, or hold other programs called Living Libraries. Read more about the Human Library: humanlibrary.org.
A human book is a person who has volunteered to engage in respectful conversation with members of the public who borrow them. Their book title relates to their life experiences and assumptions about this identity.
You can apply to become a Human Library Book online or you can download an application. Thank you for applying!
We followed the guidelines and selection criteria in a "toolkit" provided by the Human Library's official organization. The public library is reflective of every person in our community and every person can find a book or resource that speaks to them. When librarians make book and resource selections we look for items that reflect the wide range of interests, ideas, ages, and backgrounds of people in our community. We do the same when we select books for our human library.
They will share their personal experiences and answer your questions. This is your opportunity to find out about your similarities and differences. In a two-way conversation, you are encouraged to discuss your own point of view (as is the human book) with respect and courtesy.
An amazing conversation can be expected! Traditional formats such as printed books, and the Internet, do not capture unique and valuable experiences and emotions. In addition, these human books have not recorded their individual stories in print, so you get to hear their unpublished stories.
Out of respect for the books and readers, we ask that you do not bring young children to this program, it would be a distraction to the conversation and boring for the child. As the caregiver of an older child, it is your responsibility to decide if the material is suitable for your child.