The Human Library® is an in-person event designed to challenge stereotypes and prejudice through open dialogue with real members of the Stony Brook University community.  

A number of Open Books (i.e. students, faculty or staff members) will be available for attendees to "check out" for 30-minute conversations. Each book is a person with a story to tell based on their diverse backgrounds. This opportunity creates a safe space for dialogue where topics are discussed openly between our human books and their readers.

BOOKS TITLES FROM PAST HUMAN LIBRARY EVENTS INCLUDE

• A Disabled Parent
• A Refugee
• A Person with Bipolar Disorder
• A Military Veteran
• A Child of the Foster Care System

VISUALS

• Conversations between human library books who will share their life experiences with readers.
• Filming may only include up to five minutes of discussion for each human library book interaction.

WHEN 

Wednesday, November 20: Two sessions: noon-3 pm and 5-7 pm, ET

WHERE

Frank Melville, Jr. Memorial Library’s Central Reading Room (directions to Stony Brook)

HISTORY OF EVENT

The concept of the Human Library® was developed in Denmark in 2000 by Ronni Abergel, Dany Abergel, and colleagues Asma Mouna and Christoffer Erichsen. Library events have been held around the world in partnership with a variety of institutions. 

SPONSORS/EVENT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

This event is free and open to the public and sponsored by the University Libraries and the DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility) Team with the Division of Student Affairs, Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Intercultural Initiative (DI3), Office of Military and Veteran Affairs, and Diversity, Intercultural, and Community Engagement (DICE), and the Program in Public Health.