At Richmond Public Library’s Human Library® event April 12, people will be able to choose from about a dozen “books,” people who will share their personal stories. (photo from RPL)
Join the conversation at Richmond Public Library’s fourth annual Human Library® event. Taking place on April 12, from 1 to 4 p.m., there will be approximately a dozen “book” topics to check out.
The Human Library® is a nonprofit organization that began with its first event in Denmark in 2000. It has established itself as a global learning platform with an initiative to create safe spaces for dialogue between human “books” and their “readers.” The conversations between books and readers can help challenge prejudices and stereotypes, and can contribute more broadly to greater cohesion across social, ethnic and religious divisions.
During a Human Library® event, readers will see a variety of available book titles and be able to select one to “borrow” for a 20-minute reading slot. Readers and books will then have a one-on-one conversation, where books will introduce themselves and readers will have the opportunity to ask questions. At previous Human Library® events held at RPL, books have shared stories of their struggles with such things as mental illness, homelessness, and integrating to life in Canada as a newcomer.
This is a drop-in event, so no pre-registration is required. It is also free to attend. Participants will be invited to borrow books on a first-come, first-served basis until “last call” at 3:30 p.m. The event is appropriate for a teen, adult or senior audience. To find out more, go to yourlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events.
– Courtesy Richmond Public Library