Human Library
The Human Library is a worldwide project designed to challenge views that lead to misunderstanding, prejudice and discrimination within communities.
Sunday, August 13, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
This in-person, international event is the fifth Human Library we have hosted since 2014. At this event, neighbors from the Goffstown community will be open books, attendees will be “readers”, and open, civil discussions will occur to encourage acceptance and better understanding of difference.
This event is part of our #OneGoffstown series – please visit www.goffstownlibrary.com/one-goffstown/ for more information.
PRESS RELEASE (PDF document)
Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover
“Human Books” available to check out may include people who have experienced adversity due to race, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion/belief, culture, profession, and/or lifestyle.
- Books are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Books can be “borrowed” for 20 minutes and reserve the right to be returned at any time.
- The Library will ONLY be open for this special event–no regular services will be available.
“In the best sense of the word, The Human Library is a library of people and their experiences with prejudice. However, instead of paperback books, actual people are on loan for conversations. The concept is about acknowledging and challenging the prejudice that we all carry towards one another. For that reason, The Human Library creates a safe space for conversation where topics subject to taboo, marginalization, or stigmatization can be openly addressed without condemnation. The people acting as Books have directly or indirectly been exposed to prejudice, bias, or discrimination based on aspects of their person, heritage, or life experiences. At The Human Library, we invite in all questions and our Books engage in sharing their personal experiences with the Readers.”
The Human Library was conceived in 2000 by a Danish youth organization called Stop the Violence in response to intolerance and violence within their community. The concept quickly gained a foothold and since then, Human Libraries have been held in over 70 countries.
Please visit humanlibrary.org for more information.