Human Library

 
phpl, Prospect Heights Public Library, Human Library, Adult
 

The Human Library ® is a safe space for dialogue and personal conversation. It is based on the idea that we all carry prejudices and that we all judge. This is why the Human Library ® publishes humans as open Books who engage in Readings, which are personal and honest 30-minute conversations. These conversations challenge stigma and stereotypes and celebrate differences. To read more about the Human Library ® and events that have taken place around the world, please visit humanlibrary.org

phpl, Prospect Heights Public Library, Human Library, connect, borrow a human book, open conversation, deeper understanding, diversity, equity, in-person event, Adult

If your life was a story, what would it be?

We invite volunteers to become Human Books and share their personal experiences during in-person 1:1 conversations at our Human Library event between 2pm and 8pm, Thursday, May 8, 2025. These experiences may include being discriminated against based on race, religion, sexual orientation, class, gender identity, disability; or stigmatized based on other aspects of your life; or as a child or parent of someone affected by bias. Other aspects may include occupation, lifestyle, body, diet, activism, bereavement, and more. For example, previous international titles have included Vegan, Single Parent, Muslim Woman, Environmentalist, and Security Guard.

At this event, Readers (attendees) will browse a list of Book titles. Then, they will engage in an open and honest 30-minute conversation with their Human Book of choice where every question on the topic is welcome.

If you are willing to be trained and to share your experiences with patrons as a Book, please complete the below volunteer form (preferred) or contact Anjelica Rufus-Barnes, Adult Services Reference Librarian.

Apply Here

Please click for more info and examples of titles

Rather than a physical book, Readers (patrons attending the program) will have the opportunity to check out a Human Book. These Books share their story and describe their experiences living through stigmatization and prejudice through open dialogue with the Reader.

 

Your Title reflects the societal label that leads to prejudice. 

 

The Human Library bases their Book Titles on what they consider the 15 Pillars of Prejudice. The parenthesis next to each pillar is an example of a Book Title given by The Human Library ®, but by no means is it the only Book Title that would fit within that pillar.

1. Addiction (Recovering Alcoholic)

2. Disability (Cerebral Palsy)

3. Ethnicity (Biracial)

4. Family (Child (or Parent) of an Drug User)

5. Gender & Sex (Nonbinary)

6. Health (Chronic Pain)

7. Ideology (Feminist)

8. Lifestyle (Polyamorous)

9. Mental Health (Depression)

10. Neurodiversity (Autism)

11. Occupation (Politician)

12. Religion (Muslim)

13. Sexuality (Bisexual)

14. Social Status (Refugee)

15. Victim/Survivor (Victim of Bullying)

What time(s) are you able to commit to the day of the event?
There will be required virtual training for Human Books facilitated by the Human Library Organization. The approximate running time is three hours, non-consecutively. Are you able to commit to that in addition to attendance at Prospect Heights Public Library District’s event?