After months of planning, CoDE held its first Human Library event on Saturday, October 17 at Marlborough Congregational Church. From all accounts it was a resounding success!
Fourteen volunteers from the region served as open Books, sharing information ad reflections about their lives with people who showed up to learn. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with Books and readers alike saying that the conversations were a ‘gift’ and a ‘blessing.’ Many remarked that they learned from each other during the 30-minute open conversations.
We are incredibly grateful to our Books who talked about issues such as growing up in foster care, living with ADHD, serving as a SIKH Mayor and a Black female Fire Chief, being a former gang member, an immigrant, blind, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, a survivor of sexual harassment, formerly homeless, a Queer woman, a caregiver to a person with dementia, a Latina social worker, and a non-binary trans woman.
We are also indebted to our volunteer librarians, who helped the readers find the Books they wanted to read, and helped the books feel comfortable and supported.
We couldn’t have done this event without a location that enabled 14 cozy spots for intimate conversations, and a large gathering space for everyone to meet and learn about The Human Library. Marlborough Congregational Church was that spot. We are grateful to Pastor Val Seaver and the volunteers from the church for all of their support and assistance.
And, of course, we are grateful to everyone who showed up for an event they had never heard of before and were unsure exactly what to expect. They showed up to learn and share. By the end of the day, 81 conversations were had. We can just imagine the ripple effect that will have on our community –because every reader took a little piece of understanding and empathy with them as they left.
Some of their comments were:
- “It was extremely moving and insightful.”
- “The atmosphere of good will was palpable. It felt like a warm safe space for people to interact.”
- “Everyone left surprised that their time was up. Invaluable conversations!”
- “I loved it! Hearing the thoughtful questions from both books and readers and seeing the connections forming was amazing!”
- “It was a great experience and helpful –it was respectful and I came away better informed.”
- “I saw people truly un-judging in real time. I also really appreciated the openness which all participants brought to the event.”
Many thanks also to our funders who made this event possible:
William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund, Hochberg Committee for Holocaust and Human Rights Education at Temple Bnai Israel, Gilead Congregational Church, Marlborough Bakery & Café.
This day was incredible because of everyone who was part of it! Thank you all!
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. Since then Human Library events have been held in over 85 countries.
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
What happens at The Human Library®?
Visitors sign up to read one of the 12-16 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 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.
Commonly asked questions:
Q. Can children attend the event?
A. Because many of the Books talk about serious (sometimes traumatic) issues and events in their lives, The Human Library is geared toward adults and older teens. If a parent brings a child under 16, we encourage them to do the readings with their teen.
Q. How many Books can I read?
A. Conversations are 30 minutes long and there will be some time in between for you to choose your next Book (among those that are available) or wait until the Book you want to read is available. So, the number of Books you can read depends on the Books you want to read and who is available when you are ready to read them.
Q. How will I know what to ask the Books?
A. We’ll have some suggested conversation starters, but in general we ask that you follow your heart and ask the Books what you’re curious about. As long as you are respectful, Books are prepared to answer most questions. If they don’t feel they can answer a particular question, they will let you know.
Q. Do I have to stay the entire time?
A. Readers can come at anytime during the event and stay as long as you want.
Q. Will there be food available?
A. Lunch will not be served but there will be snacks and drinks.
