Library to Host 2nd Annual Human Library

The Crawfordsville District Public Library and Humans United for Equality invite the community to step into someone else’s shoes — not through a page, but through a conversation.

The second Annual Montgomery County Human Library will be held at the library Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Members of the public can drop in any time during the timespan. Translators will be available.

This unique event operates just like a traditional library, but with one major twist: the books are actual people “on loan” for conversations. The people serving as books are residents and workers in Montgomery County who have faced stigmatization or prejudice due to their person, heritage, occupation, or life experiences. At last year’s Human Library, books included such titles as Probation Officer, Domestic Violence Survivor, Government Assistance, Addiction, Depression, and Gun Owner. 

With guidance from librarians, public readers “check out” a human book for a candid, one-on-one conversation. Readers are encouraged to ask questions they normally hesitate to ask, providing an opportunity for open dialogue and mutual understanding. 

The Human Library’s motto is “unjudge someone.” By facilitating these conversations, CDPL and HUE hope to break down barriers that can keep neighbors apart. “The goal is for Montgomery County residents to get to know each other better,” says HUE President Jennifer Abbott. “We want to address the stereotypes and stigmas that sometimes get in our way.”

For more information, visit the CDPL website at https://crawfordsvillelibrary.in.gov, the HUE website at www.huemoco.org, or either group’s Facebook page.

The Crawfordsville Public District Library’s mission is to provide collections, services, and programs that encourage the love of reading and learning in our community. Humans United for Equality is a Montgomery County nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating diversity and supporting marginalized communities to ensure everyone feels included and welcomed.