The Human Library Organisation is a global learning platform located in Copenhagen, Denmark and operating in more than 80 countries. Embedded in schools, colleges, medical training, and civic engagement to develop a better understanding of diversity and inspire more inclusive and cohesive communities across national, cultural, religious, and ethnic borders.
The Human Library challenges prejudice through dialogue. Their concept is based on the principle that people are often judged by their appearance just as books are. From every human book on their bookshelf, there are groups in our society that are frequently subjected to prejudice, stigmatization, and discrimination due to their lifestyle, diagnosis, belief, disability, social status, and ethnicity among other factors. To reverse this trend, the Human Library provides a space where people can interact with individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, fostering meaningful conversations. During this program, the library’s “books,” or members, share stories and experiences, encouraging empathy, understanding, and open-mindedness.
Furthermore, they support some of the world’s largest brands in their diversity and inclusion efforts through social and cultural awareness training for companies seeking to grow their client relationships and integrate social understanding within their workforce.
As part of their education visits, they aim to create a safe environment for personal conversations that can help to eliminate prejudice, prevent discrimination, prevent conflicts, and contribute to greater human cohesion across cultures and religions.
The Human Library is in essence a virtual library that has published books worldwide and hosts events in libraries, museums, festivals, conferences, schools, universities, and the private sector. Their events give readers the chance to interact with real human beings who act as open books and provide them with conversations that they would not otherwise have.
Anyone can become a member of the Human Library who encourage applications from individuals with experiences that align with the Pillars of Prejudice, seeking to represent a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds. Human Library volunteers and nominees must attend a virtual training session and complete a Volunteer/Nomination Form if they wish to be.
Our Take
The Human Library seeks to challenge prejudices, encourage dialogue, and build relationships among its members. Through direct engagement with individuals from various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, the organisation seeks to break down barriers and promote understanding. With the Human Library, communities can engage in these interactions to address and overcome societal divisions and biases, thereby contributing to a society that is more harmonious and inclusive.
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