Imagine a library where books are people and reading is a conversation…
The Town of Stratford’s Diversity and Inclusion committee, in partnership with the Stratford Public Library, are pleased to introduce a Human Library event as part of the Town’s Fall Fest celebrations.Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023Time: 2:00 – 4:00 pmLocation: Cotton Park (57 Bunbury Road)What is a Human Library?During a Human Library event, “readers” will be able to borrow “human books” to have an informal conversation. The event is an opportunity for individuals to connect with people they would not normally have the opportunity to speak to within their community, to learn from others, to better understand the life experiences of others, and in some cases, to challenge their own assumptions, prejudices and stereotypes.Who are the Human Books?The “human books” participating at the event will be volunteers who have been identified by an affiliated association/organization, the Town of Stratford, or perhaps self-identified as a ‘book title’ based on their life experiences and expertise, race, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, economic status, ability/disability, or by a particular life experience (for example, “Living with Chronic Disease”, a Veteran or a resident with a unique employment background etc.)
Sign out a ‘human book’!Below is a list of “book titles and summaries” to help you with your choice of books. The event is scheduled between 2-4pm. Please send an email to info@townofstratford.ca with the book title(s) you would like to sign out by 12pm (noon) on Friday, September 22, 2023 and we will respond with an email including the time you will be able to “borrow” them. We encourage you to book in advance as limited walk-ins will be available. Each session will be a 10 minute conversation with the book of your choice.
Background informationThe Human Library concept originated in Europe where it is also known as a Living Library. It was developed by a Danish youth non-governmental organization called Stop the Violence in an effort to counter violence based on discrimination. The success of the concept has led to endorsement by the Nordic Minister Council, the Council of Europe, and the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Human library events have been held in countries in Western and Eastern Europe, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the United States. On PEI, the Charlottetown Learning Library has held a Human Library, a relatively new concept for many on the island, while the upcoming event will be a first for Stratford. More information about the origins of the Human Library and its spread around the world is available at www.humanlibrary.org and www.humanlibraries.org.au.
