UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who showed interest in the the Human Library. Unfortunately, we could not gather enough human “books” to make this happen in time so it has been canceled. We are exploring the possibility of rescheduling this event for the fall, and will keep you updated on any further developments. We appreciate your understanding and hope to see you at our future events!
“Books”
We are looking for volunteers to be “books” for our first-ever Human Library! Do you defy a stereotype? Do you have valuable experiences that people could benefit from learning about? Are you motivated to help challenge stigma and stereotypes through dialogue and personal conversations? People who have been in other human libraries include refugees, veterans, first responders, those enduring a physical or mental illness, women in male-dominant fields, recovering addicts, handicapped individuals, domestic abuse survivors, people from varying religions, amputees, previously unhoused, and many more.
Human “books” speak to their lived experience as a person who is commonly judged by society for some aspect of their existence. The prejudice they experience could be based on anything from their religion, physical or cognitive disability, appearance, lifestyle, etc. Volunteering as a “book” is an opportunity to share your perspective and inspire others to see the world in a different way. The purpose of the conversation is to build awareness, understanding, and empathy. Contact Kate at kate@aapld.org or 847-458-3144 if you’d like to discuss the possibility of joining our human library.
“Readers”
Looking for a unique way to connect with others and gain a deeper understanding of different perspectives? Then don’t miss the Human Library at AAPLD! The Human Library is an interactive event that brings together “human books” and “readers” for one-on-one conversations. Volunteers serve as “human books” and are willing to share their distinctive life experiences, perspectives, and expertise on a particular topic. Attendees, or “readers,” engage in conversations with the “books” to learn and gain new insights.
The Human Library is an exceptional opportunity for people to challenge their own assumptions and biases, so we encourage people of all backgrounds and beliefs to come and participate. While we are still looking for more volunteers, we’re confident that our Human Library will feature a diverse group of human books, each with their own special story to share. Topics may include mental health, LGBTQ+ issues, racial and cultural identity, and more. This will be a safe space where attendees can engage in open and honest conversations without fear of judgment or discrimination.
We hope our Human Library will be an enriching and enlightening experience that will broaden horizons and gain new perspectives. We look forward to seeing you there!