A Human Library is an event that encourages people from different backgrounds to talk with and learn from each other. Human books are volunteers who are willing to share their stories and/or their expertise. Participants can “borrow” human books for 20 or 30 minutes at a time in order to have a conversation and ask questions about the book’s topic.
The library is a safe place to have some positive conversations to challenge stereotypes and prejudices, or just to get to know another individual.
In the Central New York area, several CLRC member libraries are holding Human Library events during the month of April, in celebration of National Library Week which runs from April 10 – 16, 2016. The theme of National Library Week is “Libraries Transform”, which is certainly applicable to human libraries!
The following events are scheduled locally:
April 6
Syracuse University Libraries
12:00 noon – 4:00 pm
Contact: askasowi@syr.edu
April 12
Liverpool Public Library
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Contact: cindy.hibbert@lpl.org
April 16
Beauchamp Branch Library
1:00 – 4:30 pm
Contact: crichie@onlib.org
And just slightly to the west:
April 14
Finger Lakes Community College
5:00 – 8:00 pm
Contact: april.steenburgh@flcc.edu
Here is a preview of the “books” being offered at Beauchamp Library:
Book 1- “Misery to Ministry” Local Author and Licensed Mental Health Counselor Mary Sorrendino will speak about her abusive childhood and how she was able to overcome it and now help those who have been through similar situations.
Book 2- “The Life and Times of Quante Wright” Quante Wright, former gang member, will speak about his troubled past and the steps he is taking now to overcome it and become a productive citizen who gives back to the community.
Book 3- “Overcoming Adversity” Jerry Augustin shares his journey from a troubled past to becoming the person he is today.
Book 4- “The Sea is Wide: a Memoir” Local Author Rundy Purdy will share his story of caring for his Grandfather who suffered from Alzheimers.
Book 5- “Life after Gangs” For over two decades General Davis chose a life of crime, gang activity, and destructive behaviors until he was able to see his life headed down “Death road”.
Book 6- “Fighting Fires: Women Can Too!” A female firefighter shares what it’s like to work in a predominantly male field.
Book 7- “My Passion for Family Caregiving” Cynthia Stevenson will share her story of becoming a professional in the field of Caregiving over the past 30 years.
Book 8- “Fostering and Adopting Traumatized Children: One Parent’s Journey” Wendy and her husband have been fostering children for over 20 years. Wendy will share their journey of adopting children and will also talk about the tragic loss of one of their children.
Book 9- “OG’s Against Violence” Clifford Ryan will share his journey of violence on the streets of Syracuse, NY and will speak about his involvement with the Syracuse Chapter of OG’s Against Violence.