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On Sunday, April 13, the Richmond Public Library is welcoming the Human Library from 1 to 4 p.m.
Photo courtesy Richmond Public Library
RPL welcomes the return of the Human Library to Richmond
Published 10:27 PDT, Mon April 7, 2025
Last Updated: 10:31 PDT, Mon April 7, 2025
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Back for a third year, Richmond Public Library (RPL) is proud to welcome the Human Library on Sunday, April 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Brighouse library.
The first Human Library was held in Denmark in 2000, and has signed expanded around the world, establishing itself as a global learning platform, creating space for dialogue between human Books and their Readers. The natural conversations that take place between Books and Readers can not only help challenge prejudices and stereotypes but also contribute more broadly to unbudging someone and creating greater cohesion across social, ethnic, and religious divisions.
During the Human Library, Readers will see a listing of available book titles and select one to “borrow” for a 20-minute reading slot. Readers and Books will then have a one-on-one conversation where Books will introduce themselves and Readers will have the opportunity to ask questions.
The Books are all local volunteers interested in connecting and sharing their stories of overcoming personal hardship with others. The Human Library at RPL has been overwhelmingly well received both by Readers and Books.
Since its inception at RPL, 23 Books have been checked out by over 130 Readers during 105 reading sessions, with many Readers often choosing to read multiple Books per event. For those who have attended one of the previous Human Library events, a few familiar titles will be available as well as a variety of new ones, each exploring complex topics that will challenge pre-existing views.
“I love being a Human Book—(I can) choose what I want to tell, listeners choose who they will listen to”, one of the Books shared, as she prepares to come back after volunteering last year. “Then we both have some quiet time to talk about the story, about them, about me. Different every time, but always a great experience for all.”
This is a drop-in event and participants will be invited to borrow as many Books as they like on a first-come, first-served basis until “last call” at 3:30 p.m. Teens, adults, and seniors are all encouraged to attend.
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