Are you interested in hearing real-life stories exploring how members of the Columbia community were able to overcome discrimination in gender, religion, sexual preference, race, class, identity, age, lifestyle choices, or disabilities? If so, you need to check out the Human Library this Wednesday, April 18, 12 – 3 p.m., in the Columbia Library, 624 S. Michigan, 3rd Floor North. Available books at Columbia’s first-ever Human Library include: Multiracial Blended Family, Disabilities, LGBTQ, Mental Health, Civil Rights Activist, Vietnam Vet, Synesthesia, and Body Issues.

The Human Library is a place where real people serve as “human books” to share their stories and experiences with “readers” through one-on-one conversations. The Human Library provides an opportunity for people to challenge stereotypes and prejudices. Participants walk away with a mutual understanding of being human beyond a single identity.

The Human Library was developed in Denmark in 2000. It has become an international movement taking place in over 70 countries. The Human Library Chicago, which brings regularly scheduled Human Library events to the Chicago area, is always looking for volunteers to tell their story. For more information visit http://humanlibrarychicago.org.

Image from The Human Library.