Illinois State University is seeking individuals who can speak volumes at a Sept. 23 "Human Library" program at the Bone Student Center.
The Human Library is an innovative method designed to promote dialogue, reduce prejudices, and encourage understanding. The main characteristics of the project are to be found in its simplicity and positive approach.
The Human Library works functions like a normal library: Readers borrow a volunteer human "Book" for a limited period of time, and the Books and readers enter into a personal dialogue. The Books in the Human Library are people representing groups frequently confronted with prejudices and stereotypes, and often are victims of discrimination or social exclusion.
"In the Human Library, Books cannot only speak, but they are able to reply to the readers’ questions and can ask questions themselves,” according to the Human Library Organizers Guide.
ISU students enrolled in LinC Seminar, Success 101, and Transfer Student Seminar courses will be Readers of the Human Library Books. Readers will check out a Human Book for a 30-minute group conversation.
For more information visit: www.UCollege.IllinoisState.edu/HumanLibrary, email HumanLibrary@IllinoisState.edu, or for special accommodations to participate in this event, call 309-438-2599.