The Human Library is a safe space for dialogue and curiosity through personal conversation. It is based on the idea that we all have prejudices and we all judge. From this point of view, the Human Library publishes humans as Open Books who engage in personal and honest conversations. The Human Library facilitates voluntary-basis Reading events, where the community can come to take out a Book and become Readers.
The Human Library typically and foremost publishes people who belong to groups in society exposed to stigma, stereotyping or prejudices. These are typically based on occupation, ethnicity, religious belief, gender, cultural background, health, social status, lifestyle, or disability. We also publish topics subject to heavy taboos, including victims of incest, sexual abuse, domestic violence, or grief-related topics. Yet, there is no exhaustive list of topics that can be published at the Human Library.
Ela Area Public Library is looking for Books for our own Human Library event to be held in June 2025.
If you would like to learn more about the Human Library and what they do, additional information is available here.
If you are interested in becoming a "Human Book" please read this helpful primer before applying.
To apply, visit The Human Library: Book Application.
For questions, please contact Christen Wiser at cwiser@eapl.org