Everybody has a story. What’s yours? Register by October 2 to be a "human book."
Your story will make a difference. The DiMenna-Nyselius Library is looking for students to volunteer to be “human books” at the University’s second annual Human Library on November 8.
An international movement, Human Libraries have taken shape all over the world since 2000 to combat hate-based violence. Today these projects seek to reverse stereotypes that can be both limiting and damaging through the power of dialogue. Similar to a traditional library, human books can be checked out and read. The “reading” of a human book involves a one-on-one discussion where the reader can learn and inquire about the human book’s story.
Participants from last year’s Human Library found the unconventional conversations to be rewarding. One human book said, “When I first chose my topic I wasn't sure people would find it interesting or impactful, but seeing their reactions after answering their queries made me so happy and assured me that I was making change.”
¶¶Òô»ÆƬapp first hosted the Human Library last fall. Barbara Ghilardi, reference and instruction librarian at the DiMenna-Nyselius Library and one of the event’s organizers, believes that the project can build on last year’s success.
“What will be great about this year’s Human Library is not only will we have new stories, but people will be able to check in with some of our books from last year, labeled as 'sequels', so they can continue to share their stories with the community. We received incredible feedback from both readers and books, so we knew our community would want to come together again to share dialogue.”
Don't delay! Students interested in being a book should sign up by October 2. To learn more and sign up visit fairfield.edu/humanlibrary .
