Are you interested in learning more about the diversity that is Towson University? We invite you to check out a Human Book at Cook Library’s Human Library events in October!
What is a Human Book?
A Human Book is a person who has volunteered to challenge prejudice through respectful conversation with members of the public, who borrow them. They will have a title that relates to their experience of prejudice and/or discrimination.
What is a Human Library?
The Human Library is a concept created by Ronni Abergel, Dany Abergel, Christoffer Erichsen and Asma Mouna of the Danish youth organisation Stop The Violence in 2000 and it is now operational on five continents. It is a library of human beings, individuals, that each represent a group in the community that are somehow exposed to stigma, prejudice and/or discrimination.
The Human Library™ aims to establish a safe conversational space, where difficult questions are expected, appreciated and hopefully answered by the Human Book on loan. It was developed to challenge societal prejudices wherever and for whatever reasons they occur, and to help people form a better understanding of those with whom they share their communities.
The Human Library™ encourages patrons to become readers, by taking a person out on loan for a conversation on the topic/issue, that they represent. i.e. the Police Officer would talk about stereotypes and prejudices that police officers meet in their job and answer any question the reader may have about this topic. Conversations are offered to a duration of thirty minutes and is not just a storytelling session, but rather an experience sharing with Q&A encouraged. The outcome of the session and direction of the talk is dependent on what the reader/s asks about. And it is the privilege of both parties to end the conversation at any point they may wish.
The Towson University – Albert S. Cook Library and Center for Student Diversity joins a long and growing list of organizations interested in promoting understanding and compassion between people where prejudice and stereotyping have created misunderstanding and division.
How can I participate?
The Human Library events will take place:
- Sunday, October 9th from 12PM-6PM in Cook Library, Room 507
- Tuesday, October 11th from 10AM-4PM in UU Potomac Lounge
To be a Human Book, to volunteer, or for more information, visit: http://bit.ly/tuhumanlibrary
