The Carleton Gould Library and the Division of Inclusion, Equity & Community are proud to bring to Carleton the Human Library®.
The Human Library® is an international non-profit organization and movement based in Copenhagen, Denmark. It began in 2000. During a Human Library event, readers borrow people rather than books. The Human Library® aims to address people’s prejudices by connecting them with individuals they would not normally meet, so Readers can “un-judge” them.
There are three ways the Carleton Community can be involved. Individuals can volunteer to be a Book, work as Librarians, or attend the event as a Reader. If you would like to learn more about each role, check out the information below, or read through this Informational PowerPoint.
Books
What is a Book? A Book in the Human Library® is a person who has been trained to engage in one-on-one conversations with Readers regarding the Book’s personal lived experience with prejudice.
Why should I be a Book? Participating as a Book in a Human Library® can be a rewarding experience. As a Book, you will share your experiences and knowledge, challenge stereotypes, and help others understand different perspectives. You will engage with a community while helping break down barriers in a safe environment.
Who can apply to be a Book? Anyone from the Carleton faculty and staff community who is motivated to help challenge stereotypes and stigma through conversations about their personal experiences that readers can learn from.
How are Books categorized? Books are “published” in the Human Library® under short titles related to their topic. Titles are kept short to intentionally draw out a Reader’s implicit biases, so that conversations can, hopefully, challenge those biases, leading to “un-judgement”.
How are Book topics selected? The Human Library® has identified Pillars of Prejudice in order to ensure broad representation. At Carleton’s upcoming event, we are selecting books from the following pillars:
- Disability
- Ethnicity
- Mental Health
- Social Status
- Gender & Sex
- Sexuality
- Neurodiversity
- Family
- Religion
How do I apply to become a Book? Staff and faculty interested in participating as Books must complete an online application. We invite you to apply and see if our Human Library® event is a good fit for you!
When is the deadline to apply? The deadline to apply to participate as Books is April 1st, 2025.
What should I expect, if selected? If selected, you will then participate in an interview process. Selected applicants will then be required to complete an online training module through the Human Library® to help refine their topic and prepare them for publication at our event. After the online training, Books will also be required to attend a brief online “mini reading” where experienced Books from the Human Library® will act as Readers so new Books can practice and workshop their topics.
Our Human Library® event will take place on May 15th in Northfield, Minnesota at the Carleton College Gould Library.
If you would to learn more, visit the Human Library Book FAQ section on their website.
Librarians
Who are Librarians? Librarians in the Human Library® are the caretakers of the event. They are responsible for facilitating “check-outs,” working with Books and Readers to ensure they’re ready to converse, and they maintain a safe space for everyone at the event.
Who will be a Librarian? Staff and Faculty that work at Carleton College will be the event Librarians. Librarians are required to complete an online training module through the Human Library® to prepare for the event.
Readers
Who are the Readers? Readers in the Human Library® are event attendees who “check-out” Books.
Who can be a Reader? Anyone from the Carleton community is welcome to come to our event and be a Reader.
What should I know/do as a Reader?
- You must adhere to the “Rules for Readers”
- Respect the Book.
- Both parties have the right to end the loan at any time.
- Readers are encouraged to be curious, and ask Books questions about things they really want to learn.
- Book loans last for approximately 30 minutes
Know someone who would be a great Book? Nominate them!
For more information on Books, checkout the “Books” section.
Do you want to learn more about the Human Library?
Attend one of our info sessions!
- Info Session 1: Thursday, January 30th at noon in Sayles.
- Info Session 2: Wednesday, February 19th at 5 PM in the Gould Library.
- Info Session 3: Thursday, April 17th at noon in Sayles.
- Info Session 4: Tuesday, May 6th at noon in Sayles.
Carleton’s Human Library Event
The first Carleton Human Library® event is taking place on May 15, 2025. More details about the event will be added here as we finalize the schedule and Books.
Call for Books!
We are currently in the process of recruiting people who would like to participate as Books. If you are interested in participating as a Book, submit this application. Applicants must be members of the Carleton staff and faculty community.
Know someone who would be a great Book? Nominate them!