The Petoskey District Library is hosting a Human Library event on Saturday, August 3 from 11AM-3PM. Volunteers will be expected to arrive early and leave late. 

“How are we to understand each other, if we do not have the opportunity to talk to each other?” – Ronni Abergel, inventor of the Human Library.

The Human Library is designed to build a positive framework for conversations that challenge stereotypes, prejudices, and stigma through conversation. In a Human Library, real people are on loan for readers. Difficult questions are expected, appreciated, and answered.

We are seeking volunteers to serve as Human Books by sharing their stories with members of the local community in an effort to promote tolerance, celebrate differences, and encourage understanding between people who come from varied backgrounds. Human Book examples can be a police officer, an immigrant, person who was adopted, criminal history, elderly, recovered addict, LGBTQ+, or anyone that has felt judged because of their lifestyle or their experience(s). If applicable, Human Books must be 2+ years from resolving their conflict (e.g., 2 years sober or from criminal activity) and have processed their trauma.

Petoskey District Library is a publishing partner with the Human Library organization in Denmark. The organization requires all participating books to sign an agreement and participate in about 2 hours of training ahead of the event, to ensure everyone feels safe and prepared. Participation is voluntary.

To express your interest in becoming a Human Book, kindly fill out the form below to initiate the interview process.

Contact Mary Beauchamp or Mary Hohlbein if you have any questions. 

mbeauchamp@petoskeylibrary.org

mhohlbein@petoskeylibrary.org