The Human Library

The ‘Human Library’ in Denmark features people volunteering as ‘books’ who have thirty minute interactive conversations with ‘readers’. It is a non-profit project that has been operating for over twenty years with the aim of encouraging open communication to combat prejudice. The ‘books’ are people who are different than the majority of Danish citizens. They might be part of a racial or ethnic minority; someone with a genetic or psychological disorder; a person with a different sexual orientation; or whatever. This broad selection of ‘books’ provides the ‘readers’ with many ways to challenge their existing stereotypes. The Library can be hosted in any welcoming space, but in recent years has opened a permanent home in Copenhagen. The building and its surrounding garden allow the ‘books’ and ‘readers’ to meet in “a safe space to have conversations about diversity.” 
According to co-founder Ronni Abergel: “Every human ‘book’ represents a group in our society that is often subjected to prejudice, stigmatisation or discrimination, based on their lifestyle, belief, disability, social status or ethnic origin. Our ‘library’ gives people the opportunity to have conversations they would not normally have access to.” He goes on to say, “It is natural to judge, so we are not here to tell you not to judge. What we are here for is to make better information available to you in a safe setting.” The hope is that, after meeting with someone who embodies one of your prejudices, you will feel empathy and give the situation more thoughtful consideration. “It gives you the chance to ‘un-judge’ someone.