'Human books' offer candid conversations on tough topics in unique library event
The West Bloomfield Library promises more than just books for visitors on Saturday. Patrons will have a chance to borrow something truly unique: humans.
"Human books" will be available in the main library meeting room to engage in conversations about their life journeys and experiences.
This initiative is made possible through collaboration with the Human Library organization, which operates from Denmark. The primary goal is to foster inclusivity within communities by facilitating conversations that challenge and dispel stigmas and stereotypes.
Events organized by the Human Library globally have facilitated conversations with volunteers who offer themselves as "open books," with themes like "neurodiverse," "immigrant," "survivor of domestic abuse," "depression," "Jewish," "veteran" and more.
There will be 13 "titles" at this free event in West Bloomfield.
More to do this weekend: Human Library, Sunflower fields, live music, art and ribs
Library Marketing Specialist Victoria Edwards drew parallels to a conventional library setup, explaining, that just like in a library, readers can approach a designated desk, where librarians will be available to guide them through a list of featured titles. Librarians can assist in matching them with a human book that aligns with their interests.
“We've got an awesome group of volunteers ready to go for Saturday,” said Edwards.
These volunteer Human Books have firsthand or indirect encounters with prejudice, bias, stereotyping, stigma, or discrimination based on their life experiences.
Visitors can drop by anytime during the event. Once a human book captures their interest, visitors can engage in an open and meaningful conversation for approximately 30 minutes. Titles will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. No registration is required.
What: Human Library
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
Where: West Bloomfield Township Public Library, 4600 Walnut Lake Road in West Bloomfield
Brendel Hightower is an assistant editor at the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at bhightower@freepress.com. Support local journalism: Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Human Library offers candid conversations in West Bloomfield event
