The Human Library @ Chantilly Regional Library
Check Out a Person Instead of a Book
Participate in conversations with community members to acquire meaningful insights into their personal experiences. We have curated a collection of "human books" from within our community, featuring narratives such as “Bipolar,” “Veteran,” “Self-Harm Survivor,” “Autism,” “Limb Difference,” “Wheelchair User,” “Missionaries,” “Songwriter/Composer” and more. A comprehensive list of Book titles will be made available at the event.
This event is cosponsored by the Fairfax Library Foundation in collaboration with the Human Library, Copenhagen, Denmark.
"What could be a better source to learn from than someone who has had a lived experience?" Ronni Abergel, CEO Human Library.
What to Expect at the Human Library In-Person Event
You can come by the event anytime between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. to borrow a human book for a conversation about their lived experiences. Once you have selected the Book you would like to talk to, you can sit and have an open conversation for a maximum of 30-minutes. Come with questions and an open mind.
All books and checkout periods will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can also place a hold for a book you would like to read if it is checked out.
Readers in a family or small groups of three people can check out a book together.
INVITE
This program is appropriate for ages 16 and above. This is an In-person event at Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly, VA 20151.
Related LibGuide: Adults and 50-Plus by Fairfax County Public Library (Admin)
- Date:
- Saturday, May 3, 2025
- Time:
- 1:00pm - 4:00pm
- Location:
- Chantilly Conference Room, Chantilly Meeting Room
- Library Branch:
- Chantilly Regional Library
- Categories:
- Workshop/Tutorial
- Audience:
- Adults Teens
Understanding the model: The Human Library
What is a Human Library?
A Human Library is a way for people to connect with individuals in their community that they might not normally engage with. Visitors to a library have an opportunity during a planned event to borrow Human Books and to engage in conversation with them.
What is the Objective?
By creating a dialog, we hope to better our understanding of people in order to help create cohesive communities across cultural, religious, social and ethnic differences.
What is a Human Book?
Human books are volunteers who are willing to share their stories with others in a safe environment. Each ‘book’ represents a group that struggles with misunderstanding, prejudice or stigma.
Who is a Reader?
Readers check out human books. By doing so, they can participate in one-on-one or small-group conversations with the books to ask questions and to learn about other’s life experiences.
