Human Library Helps People Learn Not to Judge a 'Book' by its Cover

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 18, 2019) — There is a lot to be learned from a book, but the human story can be as valuable as any teaching tool in today’s society. In an attempt to learn from others in our community what it is like to live in their shoes and to not judge a “book” by its cover, the public is invited to hear off-the-page stories come to life in University of Kentucky Libraries’ Human Library™ on Thursday, April 18, at William T. Young Library.

The Human Library™ is designed to build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue. The program allows members of marginalized identities, oppressed backgrounds or isolated communities to share their opinions, stories and life lessons with “readers” who would like to learn more about the stories they have to tell, almost as if they were “books.”

Participants have commended UK Libraries' Human Library event for striving to offer an “open and honest conversation that will lead to greater acceptance, tolerance and social cohesion in the community.”

Often, people are sealed shut and placed on a shelf to never be opened and explored; the Human Library™ gives people the chance to dust off their story and open up through a 10- to 30-minute conversation.

Organized by UK Libraries Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Committee and assisted by Diversity Scholar Interns Blake Johnson and Sofia Villalobos, UK’s Human Library™ will offer “book”-like conversations from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 18, in the Young Library Alumni Gallery. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information on the Human Library™ at UK, email Jen Martin at jen.martin@uky.edu.