An upcoming Redwood City Public Library event has that special “human touch” that can open doors to a better understanding of one another.
On Saturday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the Library is returning with the virtual version of its popular “Human Library,” where they can check out human “books” via one-on-one, 20-minute virtual conversations. The December event is part of the United Against Hate Week, and registration is required.
According to organizers, the overriding aim of the Human Library is “to foster conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices.”
During the upcoming event, participants can access the following books: Muslim; Police Officer; Autistic; PTSD; LGBTQ+ TherActivist; Undocumented/Dreamer; Recovering Alcoholic; and Civil Rights Activist. To participate, readers can check out up to four books per session and each reservation includes a 10 minute orientation before the conversation.
In June, the Redwood City Public Library received a Welcoming Star Award from Redwood City 2020 for its Human Library program, which was originally developed in Copenhagen twenty years ago and is now part of an international movement for social change.
“In light of the recent momentum around the Black Lives Matter movement and societal upheaval by the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for human connection across differences is greater than ever. These 20 minute one-on-one conversations through the Human Library aim to do just that, by breaking down stereotypes and prejudices and celebrating the diversity right here in Redwood City,” Redwood City 2020 stated regarding the program.
Zoom log-in info for the Dec. 5 Human Library event will be sent to registered participants Dec. 3. To register or for more info, click here. To check out a video of Human Library participants, click here.
Photo is a still image from a Redwood City Public Library Human Library video.
