Purdue strives to reduce bias, share stories with annual Human Library

Purdue will host its annual Human Library event on Feb. 25. The Human Library aims to reduce prejudice among people of diverse backgrounds and provide a safe platform to learn about others’ experiences.

Within the context of the Human Library, “books” are people — volunteers who have agreed to share their experiences with “readers” through one-on-one conversation and open dialogue. During the conversation, “readers” are encouraged to ask questions and share their own perspectives.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. in Purdue Memorial Union, North Ballroom. Participants can come and go as they please but should plan on committing about an hour of their time to the library. The event is sponsored by Purdue University Libraries, College of Health and Human Sciences and Jane Brock-Wilson Women in Management Center.

Launched in Denmark in 2000, the Human Library is a global movement designed to promote respectful dialogue to reduce biases and encourage understanding among different cultures. Purdue hopes that the Human Library will provide students and members of the community with opportunities for listening, empathy and reflection.

The Human Library provides a platform for conversations that include unconscious biases that may reduce career and life opportunities. “Books” are not asked to prepare a speech. Instead they come ready to engage in conversation with strangers about biases or stereotypes they have encountered related to their “book title.” A reader can borrow a book for a 20-minute period. 

Any questions about the event can be directed to HumanLibrary@purdue.edu. A video about the event is available here.

Writer: Kelsey Schnieders Lefever, kschnied@purdue.edu