Previous Human Library® event at RPL | Photo courtesy of Richmond Public Library.
The Richmond Public Library (RPL) will host its 4th annual Human Library® event on April 12. It welcomes participants—the ‘readers’—to borrow human books on a first-come, first-served basis. ‘Readers’ will then spend 30 minutes with their ‘books,’ engaging in conversations that Mark Dawson, RPL’s manager of marketing and communications, see as integral to building community.
“The Human Library® creates a safe space for community conversations between human ‘books’ and their ‘readers,’” says Dawson. “The intention is to challenge stereotypes, bridging the divide between people, and create stronger communities built on understanding and acceptance.”
The drop-in event is appropriate for teens, adults and seniors.
Connecting with strangers
This year’s response to RPL’s call for “books” has been the largest yet, says Dawson of the community’s growing interest in the event. He believes this “positive community response” results from the need for human interaction.
“[The event] reduces stigma and combats stereotypes through honest, open dialogue between strangers,” he shares.
This goal, he adds, directly supports RPL’s mission to “create opportunities” for belonging, learning and connecting. It also aligns with the library’s strategic goal to encourage freedom of expression and intellectual freedom.
“The Human Library® works as a powerful ‘win-win-win’ situation,” Dawson says ‘readers’ can learn; ‘books’ can be heard; and the community grows with compassion. “The natural conversations that take place between ‘books’ and ‘readers’ can … help challenge prejudices and stereotypes.”
He adds that the experience contributes to “greater cohesion” in society—across religious, social and ethnic divisions.
While the ‘books’ are kept secret until the event, RPL looks for volunteers with challenging or unique lived experiences. These human books must be willing to share their stories—including those that challenge the stigmas and stereotypes they have encountered.
“One of the guidelines of the Human Library® is not to share in advance who the ‘books’ are, or what their stories may be,” Dawson adds. “It’s a bit like browsing the stacks: You never know what hidden gem you might uncover.”
Don’t judge the title
On the day, the “book” titles are designed to provide as little information about the individual’s experience as possible. The intention, Dawson says, is to encourage the “readers” to engage in open dialogue, looking beyond labels.
“Come with an open mind and a willingness to learn,” he adds. “It’s not always easy to hear about experiences or personal stories that are unfamiliar or challenge your own beliefs—that’s part of the beauty of the experience.”
The titles, however, do provide clues as to how the individual has been stereotyped or objectified in society. Past titles included “Adventures with My Guide Dog,” “Helping the Blind to See” and “Being from Everywhere and Nowhere.” Topics such as being a newcomer, recovering from addiction and dealing with mental health have also been explored.
Based in Copenhagen, the Human Library® is a not-for-profit organization with global reach. Its first event was held in 2000 and featured over fifty different ‘books.’ The organization has since gained international attention—with over 80 countries now hosting these events.
According to Dawson, the RPL is one of the only two licensed Human Library® event holders in Canada. The other is in Ontario at Algoma University.
“As long as the community response continues to be positive, and there are ‘books’ to be read, we look forward to hosting it,” Dawson adds.
For more information, see https://yourlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/697023234a9fd98b7f78bd2f.
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