Thursday, March 17: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Friday, March 18: Noon - 4 p.m.
Saturday, March 19: 1 - 4 p.m.
Sunday, March 20: 1 - 4 p.m.
Human Book reservations start Wednesday, March 9 or just drop in!
In a Human Library, people become the books and are ‘borrowed’ for conversation. The Human Books come from all backgrounds and ways of life, but they all have one thing in common: for different reasons they are often subjected to stereotyping or prejudices. Books and readers meet for a half hour ‘loan period’ in a safe and welcoming environment — the library — with the opportunity to listen, ask questions, and share experiences. The Human Library creates a new way to connect with each other: one Book, one Reader, one conversation at a time.
Who are the Books?
A Human Book is a person who has chosen to speak publicly about being a member of a cultural or socio-economic group, or about their lifestyle or career choices. A Human Library Book is a real person who has volunteered to speak openly about their own life experiences, especially the challenges they have experienced because of societal or personal stereotypes and prejudices. Some of the books that will be featured in our Human Library include a person living with HIV, an alternative health practioner, a transgendered person, a person living with a disability, and a refugee.
What does it require to become a Human Book?
It requires an ability to be open and honest about who you are as well as a willingness to talk with people who may not initially understand what your particular stereotype or prejudice is. Human Books attend a pre-event orientation and learn tools for a safe, nurturing and fun atmosphere for both books and readers alike. Human Books are volunteers: funds are available to help for transportation and child care during the event.
Who are the Readers?
Readers are anyone and everyone, especially you! All Winnipeggers are encouraged to participate as readers. Readers might be students, parents, plumbers, youth, bankers, lawyers, musicians, clerks, waitresses, and anyone with curiosity, questions, and a real interest in learning about other people’s lives, face-to-face, in a safe and fun environment.
What happens when I borrow a Human Book?
Readers can review the catalogue of available books during the four days of the event. Readers can either “reserve” the books in advance, or walk in and request a human book on the spot. A reader may borrow a book for up to half an hour. Meetings take place at the Millennium Library, and Reader’s Guides will be available to help start conversations if needed. Readers and books have the opportunity to talk openly, ask questions, and learn about each other. Words in writing can say many things and even have a very strong impact on people. But the Human Library is about words face to face. There are no silly questions here - the Human Library, and the Human Books, are committed to open and engaging dialogue. Questions and conversations must be mutually respectful, but no question is too simple or trivial. Readers are not judged on the quality of their questions. The only criteria for being a good reader is genuine enthusiasm and a desire to learn and connect. This is your chance to share the world in new ways through the warmth and engagement of conversation.
