There is more to a book than its cover especially when that book is a person.
WCU Hunter Library held its first Human Library on Oct.10. A Human Library is people talking and learning from others of different backgrounds. Readers will be able to “check out” human books, allowing them a chance to ask about and learn about people who have been stereotyped or subject to discrimination.
There were 16 people who showed up to read books and seven people who volunteered as “books,” each of them with their own unique stories. The books had a variety of subject matters including addiction, family, neurodiversity, religion, occupation, and sexuality.
The Human Library Organization is a global and hands-on learning platform that encourages diversity. They are involved in many settings ranging from high school to college/university, medical training to civic engagement to create more inclusive communities across cultural, religious, social, and ethnic differences. The Hunter Library reached out to the Human Library Organization and got the license to have the event, they also provided training. Rakower admired the organization’s goal to be less judgmental toward each other and was excited to be a part of that.
“We decided to host this event because, in general, folks don’t necessarily have the time or chance to interact with others and have open and honest conversations without judgment with people who are very different from them or might have different lived experiences. The Human Library creates a safe space where folks can talk to someone who is from a background that might be totally different from theirs,” Rakower said.
Some participants at this event also used it as an opportunity to meet new people and engage with their community.
“I participated in the Human Library originally for a service learning project for my use. I chose this because I’m a really big fan of getting to know people and talking with people… I hope that there’s another one soon,” said WCU freshman Heidi.
Not only was this event meant to create a space for a deeper understanding of each other, but it was also a space for those who are reaching out for help. A WCU alumni opened up about her recovery from addiction and what it meant to her being a volunteer.
“I was contacted through AA, Alcoholics Anonymous, they were asking for Human Library books to speak about addiction and recovery. I firmly believe that carrying that message to people might need some help with recovery from someone who’s been successful with it… I wanted to help people who might be struggling.”
Organizers Reference and Instruction Librarian, Josh Rakower and Acquisitions Librarian, Erica Barnett say they hope to host the event more often during the year.
