Skip to Main Content

Human Library Event: Welcome to the Human Library!

Everything you need to know about the human library! Find information about what a human library is, what human "books" are, and how to participate as a "reader."

UPDATE MARCH 2020: DUE TO COVID-19 ("coronavirus") CONCERNS AND CAMPUS CLOSURE, THE HUMAN LIBRARY EVENT AT ELIHU BURRITT LIBRARY HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

Human Library logo

Human Library @ CCSU Elihu Burritt Library

Watch this brief video for an introduction to the Human Library at CCSU.

Read coverage of CCSU Human Library events in campus media outlets.

What is the Human Library?

What is the Human Library?

A Human Library is an event that encourages people from different backgrounds to talk with and learn from each other. Human Books are volunteers who are willing to share their stories and/or their expertise. Participants can “borrow” human books for up to 20 mins at a time in order to have a conversation and ask questions about the book's topic.

The library is a safe place to have some positive conversations to challenge stereotypes and prejudices, learn about a career, or just to get to know another individual.

 

History

The first Human Library was in 2000 in Copenhagen, Denmark by the group Stop The Violence. The purpose of this first event was to challenge prejudices, to encourage dialog, and to build relationships.

The goals of every Human Library since have been similar. The event is held in a safe place where people can have open and honest conversations to learn from each other.

 

References

Erie Community College. (2017). Human library libguide. Retrieved from https://libguides.ecc.edu/c.php?g=395827&p=2689705

For more information about this event, please contact Susan Slaga-Metivier at slagas@ccsu.edu or 860-832-2095.

Report a tech support issue

Elihu Burritt Library
Central Connecticut State University, 1615 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT 06050 - Map

CCSU Home | Central Pipeline | CentralSearch / Catalog | Sign In to CentralSearch | Search Library Website