Human Library Sparks Conversations

Posted on November 26, 2024 by Chris Kretz

On November 20th the University Libraries became the Human Library, marking the second time this unique event has been hosted on Main Campus. Over a span of five hours, visitors were able to check out and have conversations with a variety of people serving as Open Books.

Each Book had their own story to tell – about prejudice they’ve encountered, a stereotype they’ve defied, a stigma they’ve challenged. Titles on hand ranged from Asexual to Dyslexic, a Nomad to a Girl from Harlem, and a Marine Corp Veteran to a Child of a Cult Family. Attendees were able to sit with a Book as a Reader and ask questions: what was it like, how did it affect you, what do you want people to know?

The Human Library concept was created in Denmark in 2000 and events now take place annually around the world in collaboration with the Human Library Organization. SBU Libraries was proud to work with our campus partners to bring this event back, including our own DEIA Team; the Division of Student Affairs; the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Intercultural Initiative (DI3); the Office of Military and Veteran Student Services; Diversity, Intercultural, and Community Engagement (DICE); and the Program in Public Health.

Collage showing four different people talking. — Open Books at the Human Library.

If you are interested in learning more about the Human Library and future events at SBU Libraries, check out our Human Library research guide and get in touch!