ABOUT THE
HUMAN LIBRARY
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What is a Human Library?
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A Human Library is a library of human beings, individuals, that each represent a group in the community that may be somehow exposed to stigma, prejudice, and/or discrimination. It aims to establish a safe conversational space where difficult questions are expected, appreciated, and answered.
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How Does It Work?
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Patrons are invited to become readers by taking a person out on loan for a conversation on the topic/issue that they represent. Conversations are offered to a duration of thirty minutes. This is not a storytelling session, but rather an experience sharing with built in Q & A. The outcome of the session and direction of the talk is dependent on what the reader(s) ask about. It is the privilege of both parties that they can end the conversation at any point they may wish.
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What to Expect?
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To check a Human Book, readers will walk up to speak with one of our Human Library Librarians. Readers can request which book they wish to speak with. Librarians will collect the book from the Book Depot room and bring them out to meet their reader. Readers and books will then have the opportunity to find a comfortable place within the facility to share their stories and engage in authentic, meaningful conversations. Once the book is due back to the library, readers can choose to either renew their same book or check out another book on a different topic.
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Want to Learn More?
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The Human Library concept originated in Copenhagen in 2000. Visit the official Human Library website to learn more about these events happening all over the world and watch the TEDx talk from one of the original developers, Ronni Abergel, below.
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Age Statement
While there are no specified age restrictions for readers, before considering bringing children, we suggest families take a moment to read more about the model of the Human Library and view our list of available titles to determine what would be most appropriate for the age of the reader being considered. Great conversations can often be sparked by the questions of young readers, however some sensitive topics may be discussed.
Opinion Statement
Human Library: York encourages open and honest conversations as a means to foster understanding, empathy, and compassion. The opinions of each book are unique and not endorsed by the Human Library: York event.
While there are no specified age restrictions for readers, before considering bringing children, we suggest families take a moment to read more about the model of the Human Library and view our list of available titles to determine what would be most appropriate for the age of the reader being considered. Great conversations can often be sparked by the questions of young readers, however some sensitive topics may be discussed.
Opinion Statement
Human Library: York encourages open and honest conversations as a means to foster understanding, empathy, and compassion. The opinions of each book are unique and not endorsed by the Human Library: York event.
Copyright: Human Library: York 2017