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WHAT IS THE HUMAN LIBRARY?

The Human Library® is designed to build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue. ‘Human Books’ are Purchase College students, faculty, and staff who have volunteered to share their story to break down barriers based on race, religion, sexual orientation, class, gender identity, lifestyle choices, disability or other aspects of their life. The Human Library provides the opportunity for the Purchase College community to share and understand the experiences of others. 

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE EVENT? AND WHAT AM I EXPECTED TO DO AS A BOOK?

The readers wait in line to select a book to talk to from a list of book titles and descriptions. When a book is selected a staff member will ask you to come over to meet the reader and you can choose any place to sit and have your conversation. Books share their unique story to a reader/readers. Readers are encouraged to ask questions or share as well. This conversation could take around 10-20 minutes. You could talk to one, two, or possibly three people at a time, but only if you feel comfortable. Conversations between books and readers usually flow naturally.  We provide readers with “starter questions” in case they need some help figuring out what to say. Just be yourself - that will help to relax you and to relax the person you’re talking with. After the conversation, when the reader heads into a different room to complete a reflection, you can come back to the main event area to be “checked in” to speak to more readers, or you can take a break in the designated break room (stocked with snacks and drinks). You will take a reflective survey at the end too.

WHAT DO I GAIN BY BEING A “HUMAN BOOK”?

While everyone’s experiences are different, book volunteers at other Human Library events have expressed a sense of camaraderie, validation, and pride that comes from meeting fellow books and sharing their stories with members of their community. Sharing your story may help someone else who is facing a similar challenge. Please note that this is a volunteer role, there is no financial compensation. We provide refreshments for our books and volunteers on the day of the event. 

HOW MUCH OF A TIME COMMITMENT IS IT?

We would love to have you be at the event for at least an hour. When you sign up you can indicate your availability. We also ask that you try to come around 15 minutes before the session start time so we can give further instructions and get you set up.

CAN SOMEONE HELP ME THINK THROUGH MY STORY AND COME UP WITH A TITLE? OR PRACTICE TELLING MY STORY?

Yes, the Human Library committee members (Purchase staff and faculty) can meet with you one-on-one in person, or talk with you over the phone, to talk through your story.

DO I NEED TO HAVE MY NAME, PHOTO, AND STORY ON THE WEBSITE?

Some books feel comfortable putting their first name, photo, and story description on our website but others prefer to be anonymous. Your story can be listed as anonymous on the website (with no photo) or you can opt not to be listed on the website at all. The day of the event all book titles and descriptions are listed on printed materials but not with names or images.

WILL THERE BE PHOTOGRAPHY OR FILMING AT THE EVENT?

Yes there could be photographers/videographers but we will provide a “no photography/video” space where you can choose to go with your reader to have conversations.

HOW DOES STAFF KEEP THE ENVIRONMENT SAFE FOR VOLUNTEERS LIKE ME?

Maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for you to share your story is our top priority. When readers check into an event, they are provided with a statement to read about the event (as well as possible questions they can ask). We also would not use your full name in any public documentation or give it out to anyone. Books are provided with special conversation ender cards that can be used to subtly signal that a moderator needs to end the conversation. Staff event moderators will be continuously walking around the room to help or step in to end the conversation, if the conversation makes you uncomfortable in any way.There is also a break room available for all books. Also, if you decide at any time that you are not feeling comfortable being a book, let us know. It is perfectly okay if you do not want to participate.

WHO WILL ATTEND THE EVENT?

This is predominantly a campus event that is only promoted internally to Purchase College, so attendees will likely be Purchase College students, staff, and faculty. 

CAN MY FRIENDS OR FAMILY ATTEND THE EVENT?

Of course. All are welcome. Your friends might want to talk to another human book since they may already have heard your story.

WHERE DO I SHOW UP?

The event takes place in the Library. When the date gets closer we will send you details on which room to show up to.

IS THERE AN OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE FEEDBACK OR GET INVOLVED WITH PLANNING THE EVENT?

Yes, every book (and all readers) are asked to take a brief reflection immediately after the event. The Human Library planning committee also welcomes students, staff, and faculty to be part of the planning group. Contact the Library Directory’s office to join: lib.director@purchase.edu