30 minutes of "borrowing people"
Most of us are familiar with the idea of libraries as having books, with shelves full of books of various genres. However, there is a library in Denmark where visitors can “borrow people” instead of books.
This was the idea of a group of innovators in 2000 who founded The Human Library, or Menneskebiblioteket in Danish. Readers who come here can borrow people for 30 minutes to chat, tell or listen to life stories from complete strangers.
Initially, the idea was only implemented as an event designed for the Roskilde festival. However, in just four days, the library attracted more than 1,000 readers to explore the “human books”. The “human books” chosen at that time represented groups that were often misunderstood or subject to prejudice in life. The success of this pilot project led to the establishment of the Human Library Foundation.
People can become part of the Human Library in two ways. One is to volunteer to become a “human book”, which requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to share with others. Like a regular library, the books here have titles, such as: “Bipolar”, “Depression”, “Alcoholism”… Through this, the library hopes that readers will open their hearts to understand those people more than just looking at the surface and listening to prejudices.
The other way is to experience the library as a reader for half an hour. Readers choose a title that interests them and head to the group or individual chat area, where they will interact with people who are willing to tell their stories for 30 minutes. Readers are encouraged to ask the tough questions they have always had. Of course, no two “human books” have exactly the same experiences. And they can be anyone from any profession, from funeral directors to veterans to children.
What kinds of "books" can I "borrow"?
'Borrowing someone' with autism: Today, one in 68 children are diagnosed with autism. If you want to learn more about the condition, the Human Library will let you interact with someone with the condition.
'Borrowing people' for piercings and tattoos: Have you ever wondered why a person has so many tattoos or piercings? Just like you can’t judge a book by its cover, when you talk to these “books”, you will get a different perspective and understand more about their life.
'Borrowing' homeless people:There are stereotypes that homeless people are the ones who made their own lives, that it is their fault for not working hard, for abusing drugs, alcohol, etc. Do they have other personal hardships that you have never heard of? The Human Library will help you meet and hear the stories of these lives.
'Borrowing people' refugees:You’ve probably heard about Syrian refugees in the midst of the civil war. Go to the library, put aside the stereotypes the media has created about refugees, and actually talk to them. You’ll get a better understanding of who these people are.
'Borrowing people' to be transgender:In addition to physical pain, how do transgender people face prejudice from society, family, and friends? And how long does it take them to dare to make such a bold decision? Countless questions about the lives of transgender people can be answered when you meet and talk with those involved.
'Borrowing' blind and deaf people:How do these less fortunate people respond to life? Instead of suffering and being helpless, many of them live optimistically, happily, and are willing to share with us interesting stories from their perspective.
'Borrowing' obese people:Instead of criticizing or mocking obese people, try asking them directly and listening to their problems.
sharing culture is widespread
In addition to the above “titles,” readers can borrow a police officer, a military veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder, a widow, a teacher, a Muslim, a polyamorous lover, a former gang member, or even a prostitute. The list goes on and on.
This is exactly what founder Ronni Abergel has wanted for a long time since establishing this unique library, "hoping that this will be a place where people who never talk can find someone to share with."
Today, the Human Library also organizes events around the world, even opening additional facilities in some cities. The concept of "living book libraries" has existed in more than 70 countries around the world, including Vietnam. In addition, they also work with corporations and suppliers to create conversation and listening sessions for office workers. Many studies have shown that positive interactions between people can affect a person's personality, psychology and perspective.
“I cannot confirm that a 30-minute conversation will change anyone. What I am confident about is that with a little effort, their disagreements and prejudices will be changed. Or at least it will force them to question their conscience,” said a representative of the Library.
