Human Library: creating positive change one “book” at a time

This post has my heart. I deeply value the work Human Library does, and I’m excited to share it with you.

What is the mission of the Human Library organization?

The primary objective is to bring people together for dialog to break down stereotypes. Often our prejudices originate in a lack of understanding and experience. The Human Library has created a learning platform that facilitates conversation, opens understanding, and builds connections. At their events, they offer a safe space for discussion. Participants grow in awareness and appreciation of diversity.

How does it work?

Volunteers serve as “books” and “librarians” in a Human Library community event. The books are people who are willing to share their stories. Book titles vary at each event depending on the availability of volunteers. All the books have experienced stereotyping, stigma, challenges, or marginalizing because of their medical condition, livelihood, lifestyle, disability, socio-economic status, or beliefs. The librarians assist “readers” with “checking out” books from the library. Once a guest has made their selection, they meet with their book and have a conversation. Difficult questions are expected. At the end of their time together, the reader may choose another book as long as time allows.

The goal is for everyone to grow in understanding and appreciation of others. A reader may very well leave a reading thinking, “That’s not for me.” This is perfectly fine. The hope is that the reader will also think, “But I understand where they are coming from.”

Rules for readers

Readers at the Human Library acknowledge and agree:

• All books are volunteers sharing from their personal experiences.
• I will listen and be respectful with my questions.
• I am not here to debate the lived experience of the books I read.
• A book may not be ready to answer a particular question and can choose to end the conversation. Likewise, a librarian may intervene to end a conversation.
• I will take care of my books and return them in the same physical and emotional states as I found them.
• I will turn off my cell phone.
• I will respect the privacy of our discussion.

How did it start?

It began in Copenhagen in 2000 through the efforts of Ronni Abergel, his brother Dany, and colleagues Asma Mouna and Christoffer Erichsen. A fair in Copenhagen had issued a challenge to come up with ideas to bring people together and break down divisiveness. As their idea for promoting understanding through providing safe spaces for dialog developed, they were met with positive responses.

The Human Library is now a registered international non-profit organization and is active in more than 80 countries. There are five depots in the United States: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Fort Wayne, and Central Indiana; they also have a presence in Chicago. In addition to community events, they work with businesses to train employees.

Pictured below is founder (and creative genius) Ronni Abergel, wearing the Human Library signature “unjudge someone” T-shirt.

Peggy Lewis is the Central Indiana Human Library depot manager.

Peggy was on a road trip with a friend who shared an article about the Human Library. The whole concept immediately resonated with her. Peggy sought out events to learn more and wanted to bring it to her community, so she submitted an application. Ronni invited her to attend a corporate training event. When he returned for the actual event at Eli Lilly, he reached out to Peggy and personally trained our first group of books while he was in the area. What a gift!

Peggy is deeply passionate about her work with Human Library. She shared a special memory from a time when she was in a depot room at an event. This is similar to a green room; it’s a separate area where books gather as they await their readings. She noticed two of the books talking. After a lengthy conversation, one asked the other, “So what is your title anyway?” It was such a beautiful moment to see them connecting without even knowing each other’s stories. They simply enjoyed sharing time together.

In her role as depot manager, Peggy interviews, curates, and takes care of the books. She stated, “My life is so enriched by each and every one of them.” Indeed, she described the Human Library community as “family.” She went on to say that “every single person I’ve met who is involved in the Human Library has such warmth. It’s beyond acceptance. It’s an embracing.”

Information about the Central Indiana depot

The Central Indiana depot held its first official event in 2019. Ronni attended in a show of support. At the time of this writing, we have over seventy published books such as:

• minister
• police officer
• survivor of childhood trafficking
• neuro-diverse
• addict
• parent of transgender
• polyamory
• and many others.

Book titles come from fifteen different areas or “pillars.” All the books have been marginalized because of their lived experiences. They go through training before being “published,” and organizers work hard to ensure that the books aren’t published at especially vulnerable times. The number of books continues to grow, creating more opportunities for learning.

Insights of a “librarian” in my local Human Library:

I feel that it is one of the most meaningful experiences that I have ever been a part of.

The slogan for HL is “unjudge someone.” We all make judgments about others who are different, and I have been trying for much of my life to understand instead of judge. The purpose is not as much to get someone to change their mind, but to understand and accept.

Last year we had an event at Hamilton East Public Library. Because of recent news about book banning there, I was nervous. We had around 70 readers from the community, receptive and ready to unjudge! I learned a lesson about my own judging.

Barbara Strack, librarian

Perceptions of a “book” in my local Human Library:

The Human Library has been a life-changing organization for me.  I first heard about it from Peggy Lewis, less than one year after I had transitioned to living full-time as a woman.  The timing was perfect as I needed to let my community, and beyond, get reacquainted with Charlize.  In the process, I discovered education on the topic of being transgender was severely lacking.  The Human Library was the vehicle to starting dialogue and providing an educational opportunity, in addition to giving me a much-needed voice.

One of my very first in-person readings occurred at Purdue University.  I was seated at my table awaiting a “reader.”  A woman walked up to me, leaned in on the table and stated: “I should tell you up front, I am a conservative Christian woman!”  I stood to greet her, smiled, and said: “I’m a liberal Christian, let’s talk.”  These readings were to last 20 minutes.  The Human Library timekeeper stopped by several times to let us know our time was up.  I waved her off each time.  The woman and I were making such progress.  Our reading lasted one hour.  When we stood to say good-bye, she offered a big hug.  Now, I’m certain I didn’t change her mind, nor did she change mine.  It’s not about changing people’s opinions.  It’s about finding common ground, opening dialogue where before there was none, and truly listening to someone different from yourself.  Breaking down prejudice and bias, one conversation at a time.  THAT is what the Human Library is all about.

Charlize Jamieson, transgender book

Observations of another “book” in my local Human Library:

I have been a book for just about one year now, and sort of have a “double billing” with my title.  Obviously they go together, but most opt to read my “Wheelchair User.”  But just a little over a week ago in Kokomo, it was more on my “Osteogenesis Imperfecta” title.

Generally, I do surprise most people because of all of the things I’ve done over the years from a wheelchair.  It honestly hasn’t slowed me down very much. So I’m hopeful that someone who has a close relative facing a future from a wheelchair realizes that life isn’t over.

All of my readings at the Kokomo event were about “OI.” My second reader said that one of her favorite movies was “Unbreakable,” starring Samuel L Jackson and Bruce Willis.  The third reader also mentioned the movie.  But the first reader was a young IU student who was dating a guy with OI.  I truthfully think I gave her a lot of encouragement, although I’m not sure that she really needed any.  She certainly knew a lot about the disease, but that made for more good questions than most readers ask.

Tom Strack, wheelchair user book and osteogenesis imperfecta book

My experience visiting a Human Library

I attended an afternoon event and read four books: cult survivor, pagan, intersex, and child of addicts. The thirty-minute conversations flew by for me. I felt like they were pouring into me. They gave me awareness. Understanding. Perspective. I’m so grateful for the experience, and I will go again.

I was struck by the courage of the books. Their vulnerability about the deepest parts of their lives is incredible. Their bravery has a ripple effect–they equip their readers for future conversations and interactions. How beautiful.

Please consider looking for a Human Library event in your community.

For more information, visit the humanlibrary.org website. Look for them on social media as well. Their events are always free.

It has been a joy learning more about this amazing organization and how it quietly does its work.

Note: All images used with permission.

You may also be interested in some of my other posts:

• think on these things (a short but challenging devotional based on Philippians 4:8)
• book review: Hidden Yellow Stars
• a journey with prayer beads
• a reflection on peace (based on four Bible verses)
• Visiting Mammoth Cave National Park

Fondly,

Crysti