We are excited to host The Human Library® event for residents of our region! It will be held on Saturday, October 17 from 10am – 2pm at Marlborough Congregational Church. All are welcome to join us for this very special – and free – event.
What is The Human Library®?
The Human Library® is a program developed in Denmark 26 years ago to enable people to talk with and learn from people who may lead different lives from them.
The Human Library® is essentially a library of people. The Human Library® creates a safe space for dialogue where topics are discussed openly between human Books and their readers.
The human Books are all volunteers with personal experience with their topic. Each Book represents a group in our society that is often subjected to prejudice, stigmatization or discrimination because of their lifestyle, diagnosis, belief, disability, social status, ethnic origin etc.
Examples of the type of Books who might be participating are a blind person, person with ADHD, foster child, Tribal Leader, member of the Sikh community, sexual assault survivor, former gang leader, trans woman, Latina social worker, etc.
What happens at The Human Library®?
Visitors sign up to Read one of the 10-12 Books available in the library. A Librarian will introduce the Reader(s) to their chosen Book and direct them to a break-out room where they can have a conversation for up to 30 minutes to explore the topic. The conversation is driven by the Reader who will ask questions (we’ll provide some ideas for conversation starters) and the Book will answer their questions and share their personal experiences.
How can I learn more?
Visit the The Human Library® website.
And check out this wonderful feature story about The Human Library® on CBS Mornings.
