Fairfield students, faculty, and staff will once again take part in a worldwide movement for social change that challenges stereotypes and prejudices through open dialogue.
I hope that after hearing my story, people will give serious thought to the concept of engaged civic participation in their own lives...
— Colin Hosten ’14, Run For Something
The DiMenna-Nyselius Library is gearing up to host the third annual Human Library, a day of powerful conversations about important issues that challenge stereotypes and prejudices. The event will be held at the DiMenna-Nyselius Library on Thursday, November 8 during two sessions from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and 6 to 8:30 p.m. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to drop in to participate in this noteworthy event. This event serves as an FYE Thrive event for students.
What started as an international movement in Denmark in the year 2000 has since spread to over 30 countries worldwide. The concept for the Human Library is that individuals volunteer as “books” and share their influential stories with event participants through a one-on-one conversation. By discussing personal stories based on true events and experiences, the “book” and the “reader” can have an open conversation about topics such as discrimination, sexual orientation, race, religion, and more.
“The Human Library is a chance to give our community the opportunity to come together to address difficult topics with dialogue and conversation,” said reference librarian and interim instruction coordinator, Barbara Ghilardi. “We’ve had many students tell us they walk away with their eyes open to other experiences, perspectives, and worldviews that they were unaware of before. The diversity of stories told and identities represented is a true testament to our wonderful Fairfield community.”
Hear from some of the “books” who will be sharing their story:
Colin Hosten ’14, Run For Something
“I hope that after hearing my story, people will give serious thought to the concept of engaged civic participation in their own lives, whether that means being informed voters, or perhaps running for public office someday."
Jessica Castillo ’21, Poster Girl
“I decided to participate in the Human Library because I want to let people know how many obstacles I’ve had to overcome to make it to Fairfield, and to share the notion that people can do anything they set their mind to.”
Michael Thibodeau, TESOL Graduate Student, Boys Don’t Cry
“Poetry is the act of sharing a piece of yourself and making your voice heard. I am a human book because I want to tell my story and encourage other people who might be shy or hesitant to tell theirs.”
The Human Library is co-sponsored by the DiMenna-Nyselius Library, the Office of Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs, Office of the Provost, Campus Ministry, Center for Faith and Public Life, and Student Affairs. Learn more at fairfield.edu/humanlibrary .
