Human libraries break stereotypes

“Don’t judge a book by its cover” is the slogan of a worldwide movement of Human Libraries. The Human Library is an event where real people are on loan to readers.

The human library relies on volunteers who are ready share their stories to everyone interested in their way of life. One can loan for example refugees, people of sexual minorities and priests. Anyone can volunteer to become a living book!

Meeting people from different worlds in a safe, open environment can open a dialogue to demolish stereotypes and prejudices. Promoting diversity and respecting human rights and value is the ultimate goal of hosting Human Libraries.

Diak hosted two Human Libraries in Oulu and Kuusamo during the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March. The libraries were a part of Esikoto project coordinated by ODL and funded by the European Social Fund.

People were free to come listen to stories shared by the living books and ask even the most difficult questions they might have had.

Keep on track of current Human Libraries held in Finnish libraries on Facebook. You can also volunteer to become a living book!

Find more info about Human Libraries.