Findlay Library and U of F Partner for the Human Library

From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library

Books can educate people through fascinating stories of human experience. Every now and then, you may be lucky enough to pick up an unforgettable adventure that peels away all but the very nature of human beings exposing the commonality among us all. Long-held bias and beliefs fall away, and you are left with a new understanding and a fresh perspective, all because you picked up a book.

Now you can check out a “book” that actually laughs, cries, talks, feels, and thinks. The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library has partnered with the University of Findlay, University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum, University of Findlay’s Phi Alpha Honor Society, and the University of Findlay’s Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society, to bring the concept of The Human Library to the Mazza Museum on October 11, 2022 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

The Human Library seeks to engage our community in conversation by providing a non-judgmental environment for people to speak one-on-one with those they might otherwise never have a chance to talk with – people who may have different life experiences, stories, or beliefs. Human volunteers act as “books” and are “checked out” in 30-minute increments, to afford the participant or the “reader” a chance to ask questions they might normally feel uncomfortable asking and come to know them as humans rather than stereotypes. These interactions help to build a better understanding of each other as human beings through conversation and engagement.

The library is seeking volunteers to be “books” for the program. If you are interested in being a volunteer and sharing your story, please contact Melody Flick at mflick@findlaylibrary.org or the visit the library’s website at: https://www.findlaylibrary.org/ for an online application. The application deadline is August 13.

The Human Library is a concept that began in Denmark in 2000 and is now organized in over 80 countries all over the world. The concept was to create a safe, judgement-free learning platform, where personal conversations can challenge stigma and stereotypes.

The concept of the Human Library echoes the mission of our library and like the public library, reflects that all should be treated equally, respectfully, and with a friendly attitude.