Human Library to Honor Women’s History Month by Featuring the Stories of Women and Nonbinary Individuals

Adelphi University Libraries has thousands of print and digital books available. But this month it will add a different type of book—that of the human variety.

The occasion is the second annual Human Library event. What is a human library? According to the international Human Library Organization, it’s a worldwide movement for social change, inclusion and understanding diversity. How? As the name implies, people volunteer to be “books.” Others, who attend as “readers,” can choose human books of different ethnicities, beliefs and experiences to check out, and these books then tell their stories and engage in conversations with readers. These conversations have the power to challenge stereotypes, change perceptions, and lead to greater appreciation and understanding.

Last year’s event featured a dozen books and more than 75 readers, said Tatiana Bryant, assistant professor and engagement and inclusion librarian. This year’s event will be held on March 26. In honor of Women’s History Month, the Human Library will center on and elevate the stories of women and nonbinary individuals. “We are coming off a historic midterm election with a record number of women and nonbinary folk in Congress in addition to the advancing #MeToo movement,” said Bryant.

The event is cosponsored by the Long Island Women’s Diversity Network, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Gender Studies program, International Student Services, and the Collaboration Project.

Bryant encourages those interested in becoming a human book to apply online. Readers are encouraged to RSVP and get their Human Library card.