WHAT IS THE HUMAN LIBRARY?
The Human Library® is designed to build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue. ‘Human Books’ are New Yorkers who have volunteered to share their story to break down barriers based on race, religion, sexual orientation, class, gender identity, lifestyle choices, disability or other aspects of their life. The Human Library provides the opportunity for the New York City community to share and understand the experiences of others. WHAT DO I GAIN FROM BEING A HUMAN BOOK?
While everyone’s experiences are different, past book volunteers have expressed a sense of camaraderie, validation, and pride that comes from meeting fellow books and sharing their stories with members of the community. Sharing your story may help someone else who is struggling with a similar challenge. Please note that this is a volunteer role, there is no financial compensation. We provide refreshments for our books and volunteers on the day of the event. |
WHAT HAPPENS AT A HUMAN LIBRARY EVENT?
WHAT AM I EXPECTED TO DO AS A BOOK? At an in-person Human Library event, the readers wait in line to select a book to talk to from a list of book titles and descriptions. When a book is selected an HLNYC Librarian will ask you to come over to meet the reader and you can choose any place to sit and have your conversation. Books share their unique story to a reader/readers. Readers are encouraged to ask questions or share as well. This conversation is 30 minutes in length. You could talk to one, two, or possibly three people at a time, but only if you feel comfortable. Conversations between books and readers usually flow naturally. We provide readers with “starter questions” in case they need some help figuring out what to say. Just be yourself - that will help to relax you and to relax the person you’re talking with. After the conversation, when the reader heads into a different room to complete a reflection, you can come back to the main event area to be “checked in” to speak to more readers, or you can take a break in the designated break room (stocked with snacks and drinks). You will take a reflective survey at the end, too. |
CAN SOMEONE HELP ME THINK THROUGH MY STORY AND COME UP WITH A TITLE?
Yes, the Human Library NYC Librarians will meet with you one-on-one in person (or over Zoom) or talk with you over the phone, to talk through your story. We meet with every new book. Returning books who have participated in previous HLNYC events do not need to meet, unless they would like to.
Yes, the Human Library NYC Librarians will meet with you one-on-one in person (or over Zoom) or talk with you over the phone, to talk through your story. We meet with every new book. Returning books who have participated in previous HLNYC events do not need to meet, unless they would like to.