This Saturday at the Arlington Public Library, visitors can check out more than just books — they’ll have access to a selection of diverse volunteer “human books” to learn from, too.
This is the annual Human Library event, developed by the Human Library Organization in Denmark. Volunteer “books” — people who have identities that are “commonly judged by society” — will be at the library to speak with visitors about their lived experiences. Visitors can “check out” books for 25-minute conversations of open and respectful dialogue is encouraged.
This is the third year APL will host the event. The date, April 12, coincides with the end of National Library Week.
The goal of the program is to “unjudge someone,” or to “reduce one’s own bias towards people with typically stigmatized identities through one-on-one conversations that promote greater understanding,” says APL librarian Jennifer Odlum, the lead planner for this event.
This year, APL has 19 “human books” set to participate, with topics that range from religion to health. Some invited topics include “Nonbinary Person,” “Unplanned Pregnancy,” “Nonspeaking Autistic,” “Sikh,” “American Muslim Imam,” “Alcoholic,” “Death Doula,” and “Egg Freezing.”
There will be a capacity of about 133 conversations total throughout the event, Odlum says.
The event will run from noon to 4 p.m. on April 12 at the Central Library. Visitors can RSVP online for the free event, but entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. At the event, visitors can place holds on later time slots if a volunteer they’d like to speak with is not immediately available. Families are welcome to participate together.
The event is best for children age 14 and up. Anyone under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Feature image of 2024 Human Library event by Christopher George, Arlington Public Library
