The Human Library Project, an event that aims to explore the impact of storytelling on identity and belonging, is coming to the University of Idaho.
It will be held in the Vandal Ballroom located inside the Pitman Center on Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Prior registration is required.
The event aims to give students the opportunity to meet one-on-one with people from diverse backgrounds where they can learn about their stories with the goal of reducing bias and promoting community connection.
Each conversation slot will last 30 minutes and can be about LGBTQ+ identities, race and ethnicity, disabilities and military veteran status. The event is staffed by members of local marginalized communities who volunteered to be “living books.”
The event is led by Alex Blalock, a third-year English student and a McNair Scholar, who is conducting research to explore narrative and identity.
Hot cocoa and cookies will be provided at the event. After applying, Blalock will contact applicants directly to confirm time slots.
The Human Library Project is an organization and movement first started in Copenhagen, Denmark. It began in 2000 by Ronni Abergel and was inspired by the American Stop the Violence Movement. The project was originally a four-day event where over 1,000 people volunteered to “be read” at the Roskilde Festival and has grown since.
By 2025, the project is in 85 countries with the goal of improving dialogue though events and a few permanent Human Libraries.
You can register for the Human Library here.
Joshua Reisenfeld can be reached at [email protected].