To celebrate Black History Month, Every Month, we are highlighting ‘The Human Library Project’ initiative - an international equalities movement that seeks to challenge prejudice and discrimination using the power of conversation.
How can this help me?
Human Libraries celebrate difference by connecting communities and encouraging a better understanding of people who come from varied cultural or lifestyle backgrounds. The initiative offers an important space for challenging implicit attitudes and unconscious bias.
How does this project provide a safe space for people to connect?
This enables colleagues and students to share how we all have lots in common, and this is a great way of learning more about that. You'll find yourself talking to people you wouldn't normally talk to, about things you wouldn't normally talk about.
The process is simple, but effective. Participants can choose to be a ‘book’ or a ‘borrower’. As a ‘book’, you will create a book title that reflects an aspect of your life experience using the theme as a prompt. As a borrower, you get the opportunity to choose a ‘human book’ and discuss their book title in up to 30 minutes of great conversation. Afterwards, you will reflect on the experience of being a ‘book’ or a ‘borrower’ for a few minutes. That’s it!
Who can get involved?
University of Westminster colleagues and students are welcome to get involved as either a ‘human book’ or a ‘borrower’.
When are the next sessions?
The next Human Library is at 115 Cavendish Street campus in Cavendish Library Training Rooms 1 and 2 (ask for directions at the Library’s front desk). There are two sessions available: 2pm to 3pm and 3pm to 4pm on Wednesday 27 October.
To take part and book your place, view the Student Hub events listings below.
I need more information
Find out more about this project on our Human Library Project page.
For further information please contact [email protected].