About the Human Library

Sometimes we think we know the whole story, but do we really?

At the Human Library, instead of books there are people. You, the reader, are invited to "borrow" a person (a "human book") and have a conversation.

Human books are a diverse group of people who have faced unique life experiences or who, for various reasons, have often faced prejudice or been stereotyped. At the Human Library, the reader has the opportunity to investigate his/her own prejudices by getting to know the people behind the labels.

Living Library Copenhagen, 2009 © Human Library

On the day of the Human Library, readers will meet with "human books" for half an hour in the library - a safe and welcoming environment - and take the opportunity to listen, ask questions, and share experiences. Click here to see the list of Human Books available at this Human Library.

History of the Human Library concept

The Human Library originated in Denmark in 2000 when a Danish non-governmental youth organization called Stop the Violence held the first Human Library at a summer festival. There were 75 human books available at this event. Human Libraries have been held in over 25 countries. Go to humanlibrary.org for more information. Thank you to the Human Library Organization for the Human Library concept.

This Human Library event at the Vanier Library is brought to you by the Concordia Multi-faith Chaplaincy and the Dean of Students Office in collaboration with the Concordia University Libraries.