Welcome to the Human Library

25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

The Human Library® is a not for profit learning platform, that has hosted personal conversations designed to challenge stigma and stereotypes since 2000.

THE CONCEPT

The Human Library® creates a safe space for dialogue where topics are discussed openly between our human books and their readers.

OUR BOOKS

All of our human books are volunteers with personal experience with their topic.
The Human Library® is a place where difficult questions are expected, appreciated and answered.

WHERE ARE WE TODAY

The Human Library® host events virtually and in libraries, museums, festivals, conferences, schools, universities and for the private sector. We have published our books in over 85 countries.

About the Human Library

The Human Library® is, in the true sense of the word, a library of people. We host events where readers can borrow human beings serving as open books and have conversations they would not normally have access to. Every human book from our bookshelf, represent a group in our society that is often subjected to prejudice, stigmatization or discrimination because of their lifestyle, diagnosis, belief, disability, social status, ethnic origin etc.
MORE ABOUT US

A worldwide movement for social change

The Human Library®’s mission is to provide support for Human Library® programs and book depot services around the world, to raise funds that will enable us to build more book collections, host more events and reach even more readers. One conversation at a time.

Become a community friend

Want to help create a safe space for dialogue? Then start hosting and presenting the Human Library in your community. More conversations are needed.

Looking to be Published?

We always need more books and have a network of local organizers and book depots around the world. Sign-up here to learn more about being published in the Human Library.

Become a Corporate Friend

Looking for a strong D&I tool or a meaningful CSR project for your company? Read about the different opportunities for responsible companies to become part of the Human Library and learn about our approach to working with D&I in the workplace.
Reader Reviews
Stephen Carney, Librarian – Canadian Museum for Human Rights

"This event helps the Museum facilitate public dialogue about important human-rights issues. Building linkages to the community and promoting human-rights education is an important part of our role."

Mette Bøtter, Student from the Academy of Untamed Creativity in Copenhagen, Denmark

"This helped me better understand myself and honestly, I mean "Human Library", sounded kind of square to me, so I had never expected it to be such a powerful and moving experience."

Sarah Jan Vertefeuille, Residential Assistant, Connecticut, USA

"I went to an event several years ago in CT and my husband and I still talk about it often. We’d love to host one in our town."

THE CONCEPT

The Human Library is designed to build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue. The Human Library is a place where real people are on loan to readers. A place where difficult questions are expected, appreciated and answered. The Human Library is a danish idea from 2000 and is now available in more than 80 countries.

Don’t Judge

a book by its cover
Get Involved
Become a reader

Meet our books. Read their stories and learn how you can find the right book for you.

Worldwide Events

The Human Library is worldwide. Find an event in your area or country here.

Become a volunteer

Want to know more about your opportunity to join our library?

Watch our videos

NEWS & BOOK OF THE MONTH