On Thursday, November 7, the DiMenna-Nyselius Library will host the fourth annual Human Library, an event designed to build a positive framework for conversations that challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue. Built on one-on-one conversations, individuals who have a story to share will volunteer to be ‘books’ and will sit with event attendees to tell their stories as a way to break down barriers based on race, religion, sexual orientation, class, gender identity, lifestyle choices, disability, or other aspects of their life. 

Both books and event attendees have reported the ways in which this event has positively impacted them. In fact, 97% of people who volunteered as books last year reported that they learned about their own social identity through their participation in the event. Now through October 25, DiMenna-Nyselius Library staff and members of the planning committee are actively recruiting students, faculty, staff, and alumni to be books in this year’s Human Library.

Here is what a few books from last year had to say about their participation in the event:

“I volunteered to be a book because I wanted to push my comfort zone and be a part of the solution to intolerance and ignorance.” 

"In a lot of ways, I've always felt like I've known my own story for a long time, but as I delved into this, and as I answered questions from students, more of my life came into perspective.”

“I realized that opening myself up and having discussions with other people is really important for my own well-being.”

To learn more and to sign up to be a book, please visit fairfield.edu/humanlibrary.