Stormont Dundas and Glengarry Library
On Wednesday, May 19, the SDG Library hosted their first virtual ‘Human Library’ event.
The event brought together individuals with different life experiences and connected them with “borrowers” to take part in one-on-one discussions to share their stories.
Six human “books” were available to be borrowed during the two-hour online event, and each book could be borrowed for 20-minutes.
The human books shared experiences connected to gender identity, religious views, living with special needs, and much more.
Patrons participated in conversations with the books that allowed them to ask questions and learn more about the obstacles these individuals have faced.
“The response to our ‘Human Library’ event was great”, said Susan Wallwork, Community Librarian with SDG Library. “Many important discussions took place, both during and outside the event, and we look forward to building on the success of this program in the future.”
The ‘Human Library’ is an international concept where the reader can borrow human beings to have open and honest conversations to help increase awareness and teach acceptance from learning about the experiences of others.
The human books represent individuals that can be subjected to prejudice, stigmatization, or discrimination. While this was not the first time the SDG Library has hosted a ‘Human Library’ event, it was the first time it was hosted online.
For more information on the ‘Human Library’ event or any other Library programs, please contact Susan Wallwork, Community Librarian at swallwork@sdglibrary.ca or (613) 930-3493.
