Our April 19, 2023 event has concluded. Thank you to everyone for their participation.
—
Meet someone you ordinarily wouldn’t meet.
Have safe small-group conversations to challenge prejudice and discrimination.
Attend a Human Library Event!
EWU | HUMAN LIBRARY
Human Books, Human Readers.
EWU’s Human Library event took place on April 19, 2023.
The Human Library® is designed to build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge or address stereotypes, prejudices, stigma, or taboo topics through dialogue.
‘Human Books’ are Eastern Washington University students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members who have volunteered to share their stories to break down barriers based on race, religion, sexual orientation, class, gender identity, lifestyle choices, disability or other aspects of life.
The Human Library provides the opportunity for our campus community to share and understand the experiences of others.
The event was made possible by EWU Libraries, the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Counseling and Wellness Services, and the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Many thanks to Thomas Hammer for donating event coffee!
Books at EWU’s April 2023 Human Library
Various EWU students, faculty, and community members volunteered as Human Books for this experience. Some of the topics included:
hope | religious discrimination | bullying | chronic illness | strength through adversity | poverty | imposter syndrome | invisible disabilities | autism | gender bias in the workplace | discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people | growing up in an abusive home | parent with addiction | anxiety & depression | limb differences | anger | first-generation college student | achievement | love and patience | empathy | broken childhood | nursing while working | being inclusive | military service | homeschooling | being an outsider | overcoming struggle | seldom noticed
If you are interested in sharing your story in a series of casual conversations in a safe, supportive, and meaningful way, please consider volunteering to be a Human Book at an upcoming Human Library event. Email alaskowski@ewu.edu to indicate your interest.
Be a Reader at a Future Event
Are you interested in participating in personal conversations that challenge prejudice, stereotypes, and allow for open questions and foster greater understanding? Are you willing to participate in this safe space without judgement?
Basic Reader rules:
- Treat the Book with respect, be a good listener, and ask questions.
- Each Book is a reference for information on a given topic; ask about things you want to know.
- The check-out period can be ended at any time by either the Book or the Reader.
- Return the Book on time, in the same condition it was loaned to you.
If you are interested in being a Reader at a future Human Library event, please contact alaskowski@ewu.edu. For more opportunities, visit the Human Library organization website.
Contact Us
Do you have questions about our April 2023 event or upcoming events?
Please contact Amy Laskowski at EWU Libraries.
alaskowski@ewu.edu | 509.359.6201
Thanks to our 2023 EWU Human Library Committee Members:
Stephanie Bradley, Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Lynnae Daniels, EWU Libraries
Kim Davis, Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Kelly Evans, EWU Libraries
Amy Laskowski, EWU Libraries
Lisa Olson, EWU Counseling and Wellness
Michael Pflieger, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Qing Stellwagen, EWU Libraries
About the Human Library
More information about the Human Library can be found online: https://humanlibrary.org/
“Unjudge Someone” – A short film about the Human Library Organization by Eclectic Spacewalk Productions.
Listen to Ronni Abergel, founder of the Human Library, explain the concept on TedX Talks.