Downers Grove, IL – September 20 – The Human Library is opening its bookshelf at the Downers Grove Public Library on October 16, 2024, from 4 – 8 p.m. The Human Library is a library of people and their experiences with prejudice. However, instead of paperback books, actual people are on loan for conversations. The program is about acknowledging and challenging the prejudice that we all carry towards one another, and provides opportunities to meet individuals we may not usually interact with. For that reason, The Human Library creates a safe space for conversation where topics subject to taboo, marginalization, or stigmatization can be openly addressed without condemnation. People acting as Books have been directly or indirectly exposed to prejudice, bias, or discrimination based on aspects of their person, heritage, or life experiences. At The Human Library, we invite all questions, and our Books engage in sharing their personal experiences with you, the reader.
Community members are invited to check out a Book for a 30-minute conversation or stay the entire time and checkout multiple Books. When patrons arrive, a librarian will share which topics are available for checkout. Once a Book has been selected, community members can sit and have an open conversation where every question on the topic is welcome.
Registration is not required.
About the Downers Grove Public Library: The Downers Grove Public Library welcomes all to discover, grow, play, and learn.
About The Human Library®: The Human Library is a registered international nonprofit learning platform that has hosted personal conversations designed to challenge stigma and stereotypes since 2000. The program exists in more than 85 countries.