HUMAN LIBRARY

The Human Library initiative is designed to challenge society’s prejudices and help people understand those with whom they share their community. In a human library, the ‘books’ are people. Some books represent groups in the community that may be exposed to stigma, prejudice or discrimination; others range from unconventional, exciting stories typically unheard of, and breaking down barriers for those who have experienced stigma and have had their narrative wrongly explained or watered down by society’s stereotypes.

“the Human Library aims to bring us closer together with its experience revealing different lifestyles, friendships, true lived experiences and stories, inspiring us to never to judge a book by its cover”

In a safe and secure environment, the library allows borrowers (the public) to ‘check out’ a human book for 20 minutes, and in a specified space, the borrower can ask questions to gain a better understanding of the life of that individual and some of the challenges / stigma that people in similar situations might face.

Splice delivers Human Libraries in Aotearoa New Zealand, however The Human Library™ is an international organization and movement that first started in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2000. It aims to address people's prejudices by helping them to talk to those they would not normally meet. Visit humanlibrary.org to find out more.

Completed Human Library events:
Aotea Centre September 24th 2016 (Festival For the Future)
Homelessness Day Oct 10th 2017 Auckland Library (With Stuck in a Maze)
Neighbours Day March 24th 2019 (read the report here)
UN International Day of Peace in Auckland Sept 21st 2019 (read the report here)
LIANZA Conference Oct 2019 (read the report here)