By 2 p.m. Friday, the typically dead Krannert Drawing Room at Purdue University was buzzing with conversation as people labeled “human books” conversed openly with others about the biases or stereotypes they face in life.
The Human Library, a worldwide movement that challenges people to grow in their understanding of the “other,” was sponsored by Krannert’s Women in Management program. The 14-year-old Human Library initiative is the brainchild of Stop the Violence, a Danish youth movement.
I had the opportunity to participate, and it was a great experience, one that I would recommend to others and that I would take part in again. Organizers plan to host it annually and work to expand it.
By the end, I wasn’t weary of conversation and felt the gravitas of dialogue —even if it’s simply connecting with someone who sees herself in your “book” or answering questions about your life and experiences with strangers who can’t really relate.
The event functioned like a well-oiled machine. “Readers” quickly registered, signed up for a library card and checked out an open “book.” Then runners brought them to a person who was willing to tell their story.
Some of the more popular books had “Homeless,” and “Transgender Person” titles. By the end of the three-hour event, about 80 people attended as readers, and 29 books participated.
I talked to about four people. The first two guests were the most inquisitive. I met Felice Bray, a spunky 85-year-old Jewish woman from West Lafayette who on Wednesday had attended the Journal & Courier’s forum — I was a panelist — on the “The Great Chicago Myth.”