The Human Library is a unique and fascinating concept that originated in Copenhagen, Denmark. It was first introduced in 2000 at the Roskilde Festival by Ronni Abergel, his brother Dany, and colleagues Asma Mouna and Christoffer Erichsen.

Their idea is to challenge stereotypes and foster dialogue among different people, cultures, and concepts.

In the Human Library, instead of borrowing books, visitors "check out" humans for a conversation. Each person is a volunteer, representing various backgrounds, experiences, and identities. They might be people who have faced prejudice, stigma, or misunderstanding due to their lifestyle, diagnosis, belief, disability, social status, ethnicity, or occupation.

Events have been held in over 80 countries through partnerships with local organizers. The first held in the United States was in 2008.

How Does the Checkout Process Work for the Human Library?

The Human Library thrives with in-person events because these gatherings create opportunities for one-on-one conversations. This unique, straightforward approach facilitates open and respectful dialogue with supervision to ensure safety measures are available if needed.

Checking out a person in this concept follows a seven-step process.

1. Visitors arrive at the event where the Human Library is set up. It could be a public space, a library, a school, a festival, or any other suitable venue.
2. You are presented with a catalog or a list of the available “Human Books.” Each title represents a person who has experienced stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination in some way.
3. Once a person is chosen, you can pick topics to talk about, from mental health issues to religious beliefs, cultural backgrounds, professional experiences, or lifestyle choices.
4. The organizers typically set a time limit for each session, often around 20-30 minutes, to allow multiple visitors the opportunity to interact with different “books.”
5. The visitor and the Human Book engage in a personal conversation. This interaction is the heart of the Human Library experience, where open and honest dialogues occur.
6. After the session, the reader 'returns' the book. They may then choose to check out another book or end their visit.
7. Feedback or reflection opportunities are provided after the conversation to help both people process the experience and understand the impact on them.

A list of the upcoming events from the Human Library is available under the Events section of the organization’s website. In return, the goal is to help people “unjudge” others.

What If I Want to Become a Human Book for Others?

If you defy stereotypes or have unique life experiences that could help others, the Human Library invites you to apply to become an open “book.” Remember – the goal is for readers to benefit from what you have encountered as you challenge societal stigmas through respective dialogue and personal conversations.

The first step is to fill out an application form to the best of your ability. Once the Human Library processes the information, they’ll contact you to discuss this opportunity more.

You can apply online to get published. For those outside of Denmark or Europe, this option is the easiest way to become a human book. Locals can also apply by mailing an application to the following address.

The Human Library Organization

Nørre Alle 7, 2. sal tv.

DK-2200 Copenhagen – Denmark

The Human Library organization identifies several key "pillars of prejudice" that they aim to address and challenge through their events. By confronting these issues directly through dialogue, the goal is to promote more empathy and understanding of what we face in life together.

Although there can be some regional differences, the primary pillars include the following topics.

• The goal is to foster an understanding of different cultures and experiences, stepping outside of the usual routine to see how others live their lives.
• Many people have biases or misconceptions about different beliefs or practices, so the human books work to encourage interfaith respect and dialogue.
• Sexual Identity. This category challenges stereotypes and discrimination faced by individuals based on their orientation, promoting an acceptance and understanding of diverse sexual identities. That includes gender identity misconceptions for non-binary and transgender individuals.
• Health Conditions. You can work to dispel stigmas and myths related to various conditions, encouraging empathy while offering a glimpse at what it takes to live with those conditions.
• People can talk about specific professions, especially when they might be stigmatized or misunderstood.

By engaging with these pillars of prejudice, the Human Library provides a platform for individuals who have faced discrimination or misunderstanding to share their stories and perspectives. This direct, personal interaction is a powerful tool for breaking down barriers and promoting a more inclusive and empathetic society.

If you would like to host a regional or national event for the Human Library, you can apply online for a corporate opportunity. In return, you may find out something new about yourself and someone in your community!