Have you ever read someone like a book? Have you ever had a book read to you? The Center for Civic Engagement at Lone Star College-North Harris will be hosting its 4th Annual Human Library in November. The Human Library, which is an international organization that started in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2000, aims to address people’s prejudices by encouraging them to speak to those they wouldn’t normally meet.
“The goal of the Human Library is to facilitate conversations between two people: human books and readers,” Erika Herrera, Professor of Political Science at LSC-North Harris explained. “Human books are volunteers from all walks of life who have amazing and inspiring stories to tell. The readers are the students, faculty, staff, and members of the community.”
How does it work? Once the readers arrive, they will be able to look at a bookshelf with titles of the human books. Once the human book is checked out, the human book will be directed to a table to share their story with groups of readers for 20 minutes at a time to share their story.
“By participating in this activity, readers become better listeners, challenge misconceptions, empathize, improve their proficiency in their conversation skills, and perhaps, begin a journey of self-discovery,” Herrera said.
The Human Library promises to be an eye-opening educational experience for everyone to enjoy. Come “check out” individuals with amazing stories to tell.
The Human Library: Turning People into Living Books
November 7 -8
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Student Services Building, Room SSB-208
2700 W. W. Thorne Dr. Houston, TX 77073