Media Advisory – April 27, 2022
Gainesville, Fla. – The Alachua County Library District and Altrusa International of Gainesville invite you to challenge your biases and explore different perspectives at the Human Library at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15 at the Cone Park Branch, 2801 E. University Ave., Gainesville.
At the Human Library event, attendees can “borrow” Human Books – diverse volunteers who have experienced prejudice or stereotyping – and learn about their experiences. Human Books will share their stories, answer questions, and engage in conversation with patrons of this special library experience. Attendees will borrow books in small groups and have time to mingle after the checkout period ends. The event is free and open to all; no registration is required.
The event is produced according to guidelines from the Human Library Organization, an international nonprofit that aims to break down prejudices and promote understanding through dialogue.
“The potential impact is to help bridge gaps between people and to help erode judgments of others,” said Celia Burger, chair of Altrusa’s Human Library committee. “I hope readers will realize we are more alike than different and gain insight into our relationships as human beings.”
“Just as you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can’t judge another person on appearances,” said Alachua County Library District Public Services Division Director Joyce West. “By becoming a patron of the Human Library, we can have the kinds of meaningful conversations that aren’t easy to strike up with strangers.”
More information is available at www.aclib.us/HumanLibrary. To schedule an interview, contact Rachel Cook at 352-334-3909 or rcook@aclib.us.
About the partners
The Alachua County Library District is the sole provider of public library services to approximately 271,000 citizens in urban and rural communities throughout Alachua County. The Library District’s mission is to build a better community by creating opportunities to participate, connect, and discover.
Altrusa International of Gainesville is a local chapter of an international nonprofit organization making communities better through leadership, partnership, and service. The club undertakes service, literacy, fundraising, and international projects each year.
Originating in Copenhagen, Denmark 20 years ago, the Human Library is designed to build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue.
If a person with a disability needs an accommodation in order to participate in this event he or she is entitled, at no cost to him or her, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the Alachua County Library District at 352-334-3910 at least three (3) days prior to the event. TTY users please call 711 (Florida Relay Service).