Don't judge a book by its cover
Concordia’s upcoming Human Library event on September 17 gives students the chance to read a book from start to finish in 30 minutes — without reading a single word.
The event, being held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Vanier Library, is supported by the Dean of Students Office and Multi-faith Chaplaincy, in collaboration with the Concordia Libraries. The Human Library originated in Denmark in 2000. Since then, many human libraries have been organized around the world. The goal is to break down the walls of stereotypes and prejudice by inviting participants to borrow and read a “human book” for half an hour at the Loyola Campus library.
According to Concordia librarian Pamela Carson, students will have a novel opportunity to expand their circle of acquaintances by meeting a variety of people from different backgrounds and walks of life. “This event addresses a diverse array of topics from sexuality and gender to religion and disability,” says Carson.
The library will have 25 “human books” with catchy titles such as The Virgin Slut, My Life as a Zen Monk and The Travelling Immigrant and International Vagabond. These “human books” come from a diverse group of people who have faced unique life experiences and have suffered different forms of discrimination. More than half of the participants are current Concordia students or alumni.
Since the event promotes education and dialogue, Carson hopes participating “readers” will walk away with an even wider variety of life experiences. “Some students may take the Human Library as an opportunity to talk with someone completely different from themselves to learn more about a topic on which the students may hold prejudices. Other students may wish to speak with "human books" with similar life experiences as their own, to find someone who understands their personal stories,” she explains.
Director of the Multi-faith Chaplaincy Ellie Hummel not only helped spearhead this event but will be participating as a book called There is No Contraction: Lesbian, Feminist, Minister. Hummel believes this event is an incredible opportunity for students to face fears and uncomfortable feelings. “Instead of reading about somebody who is different or similar to you, the Human Library allows you to have a conversation. I’m personally very excited that this event challenges individuals in a hands-on fashion,” she says.
When: Saturday, September 17, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Vanier Library, Loyola Campus (7141 Sherbrooke St. W.)
For questions or to reserve a “human book” in advance, please contact vanref@alcor.concordia.ca or call 514-848-2424, ext. 7766.
Journalism student David Adelman is an intern with University Communications Services.
Related links:
• Human Library @Concordia (includes a list of available human books)
• Concordia University Libraries
• More about the Human Library concept