The Human Library

In June 2022 we welcomed readers to The Human Library, as part of Essex Book Festival. Just like in a real library, a visitor to the Human Library can borrow a book from a range of titles. The difference is that books are PEOPLE, and reading is a CONVERSATION.

Books in our Human Library came from all walks of life, and each had an experience to share. Every book from Autistic or Abuse, Black or Gay, to Jewish or Witch was borrowed, and we had queues of readers and repeat borrowers throughout the afternoon, who came to connect with people they wouldn’t normally meet, and celebrate positive differences in our communities. We had over 100 readers during the afternoon, and 15 Human Books.

One Reader said “I was curious about this event. I’m a highly curious person and love to find out more about others, their stories and how they came to be where they are today. Today’s conversations enabled me to consider different lived experiences, how we label people, why we insist on labeling people and importantly the richness and beauty of humanity and my neighbours.”

One Human Book said: “I have been a reader in the past, and found it enlightening, but I have to say, being a book was really emotional. I felt like I had really done some good. It’s ALL about dialogue. It’s ALL about treading in another’s shoes. I wish these events were mandatory. I truly believe it would erase racism, sexism, ableism and every other -ism if we just heard each other’s stories.”

Organised by Essex Cultural Diversity Project as part of Essex Book Festival 2022, in partnership with The Human Library Organisation UK. Supported through Colchester Borough Council’s Cultural and Creative Events Fund. Hosted by the Mercury Theatre.

• Venue: Mercury Theatre (upstairs bar), Balkerne Gate, Colchester CO1 1PT
• Free event

Want to be Human Book at Future Events?

Do you defy a stereotype? Are you like an open book and do you have valuable experiences that readers could benefit from learning about? Are you motivated to help challenge stigma and stereotypes through dialogue and personal conversations? Then maybe we can publish you to our readers.

The Human Library Organisation is always looking for Human books for future events, building up a network of local organisers and book depots around the world, that not only recycle Human Books, but also ensure they are well kept in between events.

Being a book in the Human Library is more than you expect and something you will never forget. It is also an opportunity to meet a lot of people that are different from you and yet you will find you share a lot in common.

Sound interesting and exciting? Then contact Jo on jo@essexcdp.com for a chat, or fill in the online form at the Human Library Organisation’s website

Organised by Essex Cultural Diversity Project as part of Essex Book Festival 2022, supported by the Mercury Theatre. Supported through Colchester Borough Council’s Cultural and Creative Events Fund.