Prejudice is a human trait that is difficult to overcome.
We form judgments about people every day, and we don’t always have the time – or the willingness – to truly reflect on them. Our prejudices often affect people who are different. Because of their skin color, ethnicity, social background, or simply because they do something we don’t understand at all.
The Human Library is an event that aims to awaken in people the willingness to confront their own prejudices. The concept is simple and, as the name suggests, resembles a visit to a traditional library. "Readers" have the opportunity to borrow a "living book" and listen to their story. And ask questions.
The foundation of the Human Library is mutual respect and a willingness to listen. The concept is already 25 years old and originated as an organized event in Copenhagen, Denmark, where libraries are held on a regular basis. In Prague, the library will be held this August under the patronage of the British Council, an educational and cultural organization with more than 90 years of tradition.
Paul Wade, Director of the British Council in the Czech Republic, explained the idea, “You arrive at the venue, choose a 'living book' from the catalog – a person whose life story interests you. If it doesn’t interest you because you think you already know their story, we recommend that you 'borrow' them – chances are, you’ll be very surprised.”
The aim of the Human Library is not to eliminate our prejudice. That’s simply not possible. The Human Library invites books and their readers into a mutual dialogue, the outcome of which is uncertain, but opens up ‘readers’ to new experiences and ideas.
Paul also told us, “We don’t expect books and readers to fully understand one another. Our goal is to connect people with different life experiences who might otherwise never meet or start a conversation. Readers are also encouraged to ask questions they would normally be too shy to ask – such as asking a person of a different skin colour about dating Prague. Of course, the books have every right to refuse any question. A safe and respectful environment for all participants is our top priority.”
The first Human Library at the British Council will feature representatives of racial and sexual minorities, a Ukrainian refugee, a person in a wheelchair with their partner, a Palestinian rights advocate, and also a street magazine vendor from Nový Prostor.
“We have tried to reach out to people who may be misunderstood or misrepresented in society. We want to learn how hard it is for Ukrainian refugees to find housing when there's a language barrier, how a non-binary person copes with their identity when growing up in an environment with no role models, or why someone decides to actively defend the rights of Palestinians. We want to hear how people live – and maybe help each other and understand more.”
Come hear their story.
Come ask questions.
Come to unjudge.
The Human Library will take place on August 21st at the British Council, 2 – 5 PM, Politických vězňů 13, Prague.