By AMY ADAMS
news@readthereporter.com
On Saturday, July 15, readers in Hamilton County had the opportunity to read a completely different kind of book as Hamilton East Public Library (HEPL) in Fishers hosted the first Human Library in the area.
“It’s just so unusual to be able to hear someone’s story in an intimate setting,” said attendee Jen Searcy. “I could do this all day.”
Essentially a library of people and their stories, the Human Library Organization has been hosting personal encounters since its original event that took place in Copenhagen, Denmark, and lasted for four straight eight-hour days in the spring of 2000. As an international nonprofit learning platform, the Human Library creates a safe framework for open conversations aimed at globally challenging prejudice and instilling empathy.
The Human Library allows “readers” to “borrow” a “human book” for 20 to 30 minutes in order to learn more about those who face stereotyping and discrimination. That means community members who are curious and willing to listen can sit down with Human Library volunteers from marginalized or misunderstood populations who have been trained and coached in how to share their stories and answer difficult questions.
HEPL Teen Coordinator Erin Weir, Youth Engagement Coordinator Allison Kartman, and Adult Engagement Coordinator Danielle Acton helped make the Human Library event run smoothly. (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)
More than 100 patrons aged 18 and older registered for the event.
“I’m just so pleased with the turnout and support,” HEPL Adult Engagement Coordinator Danielle Acton said. “Immediately, all the books were checked out at 1 p.m., and they pretty much stayed that way all day.”
A diverse crowd mingled outside the meeting room, chatting with each other as they waited to “check out” one or more of the 15 available “books” with titles such as Jewish, Transgender, Asian-American, Abortion, EXvangelical, Polyamory, Brittle Bone Disease, and more.
“This is the biggest turnout we’ve had in a while,” said Peggy Lewis, manager of the Human Library in Muncie.
When Lewis first read an article about the Human Library, she contacted the international office. In May 2019, she took part in the first training program offered in Indianapolis by the Human Library. Within six months, 40 books were “on the shelves” ready to be read.
There is also a Human Library depot in Fort Wayne, and past events have been held in Indianapolis, at Purdue University, and at the Moore County Public Library, among other locations throughout the state.
The international organization also offers diversity training to corporations. For example, Lewis just went to Chicago this past week to provide training for the McDonald’s corporate office.
“This has been her passion,” said Muncie Human Library volunteer Judy Merrit.
Like Merrit, Lewis, and most of the books, Human Library volunteers came from Muncie. Volunteers helped readers check in and made sure they understood the framework for discussion. They also helped keep track of which books were checked out and which books were ready to be read.
HEPL employees and volunteers helped direct readers to their next book and managed the session timing.
Some readers checked out books individually, while others read in small groups. Some came to the event hoping to check out one specific book, such as one reader who came to read Survivor of Suicide Loss. Others read as many books as they could during the three-hour event.
“I think it’s such a great opportunity to learn what you desire to learn, what you might not have the ability to learn otherwise, with safe space being the operative word,” said attendee Bethany Waddell. “I’m so appreciative of the volunteers for sharing their stories and being open to questions. I asked questions today that I would never ask someone outside of this setting.”
The Human Library encourages difficult questions and civil conversations. (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)
Waddell came to the event with her husband Joshua.
“I like challenging what my preconceptions are,” Joshua said. “Reading the books today changed some of those preconceptions.”
Merrit and fellow Human Library volunteer Diane Bottomly agree that it’s not just the readers who are affected by hearing the stories of others. They both feel that they have grown in compassion through their time volunteering with the organization. The books also build bonds through presenting at multiple libraries together.
“Clearly people have made connections here today,” Acton said. “I’ve seen tears and hugs.”
Acton is hopeful the Fishers library will host another Human Library event in the spring as HEPL continues to promote community conversations.
The Hamilton East Public Library in Fishers is located at 5 Municipal Drive. Find out more about HEPL programs at hepl.lib.in.us and about the Human Library Organization at humanlibrary.org.