Stony Brook University Libraries is set to host The Human Library event on November 20. This initiative, held in-person for the second time on campus, aims to address stereotypes and prejudice through direct dialogue with individuals.
In this unique library setting, "books" are people who have faced prejudice or challenged stereotypes. Attendees, referred to as "readers," will engage in 30-minute private conversations with these individuals. Participants may include a parent of a gay child, a hate crime survivor, an autistic person, or a refugee.
The Human Library encourages interaction and understanding by allowing readers to ask questions and converse with someone they might not typically meet.
The event will take place from noon to 3 pm and again from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Melville Library Central Reading Room.
Originating in Denmark in 2000 by Ronni Abergel, Dany Abergel, Asma Mouna, and Christoffer Erichsen, The Human Library has been hosted globally in collaboration with various institutions.
Sponsors of the event include University Libraries and the DEIA Team alongside the Division of Student Affairs' Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Intercultural Initiative (DI3), Office of Military and Veteran Affairs, Diversity Intercultural Community Engagement (DICE), and the Program in Public Health. For further details, contact libraryevents@stonybrook.edu.