Do you remember the first time someone truly saw you? How that person taught you the value of releasing judgment and simply listening?
Well, the Human Library is back to do exactly that. A nonprofit organization created in 2000 in Copenhagen, Denmark, it has since expanded across the globe. The nonprofit’s goal is to facilitate open, honest and judgement-free conversations to bridge divides between people. The Carbondale Branch Library invites you to meet and converse with a few people who will share their life stories on May 17 from 10am to 1pm.
“What the Human Library is telling people is: stop and listen to everyone and to their stories,” said Frank Sgambati, member of Age Friendly Carbondale, the organization sponsoring the event alongside Garfield County Libraries. “It just makes you a more aware person and that ripples and makes for a better community and society in general.” Sgambati got involved with the Human Library organization a few years back. The first event took place in January 2024 and is now an annual occurrence cycling from Carbondale to Glenwood to Rifle.
“We as a country are so divided. It’s divisive, it’s got angry dialogue, and here is an opportunity where people can actually get together, learn from each other and un-judge,” Sgambati said.
These conversations inspire connection and understanding for those who are marginalized and people who may be perceived one way based on preconceived notions.
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“What it does is create a space where it is comfortable and safe to ask those provocative questions which you normally wouldn’t,” Sgambati said.
The human books get training to do this and are no longer in crisis, which means they can candidly talk about their stories and answer difficult questions. Of course, respect and ground rules are in place to guide everyone involved. The books will talk with a group of 10 to 12 readers and rotate to different groups throughout the time with breaks for everyone in between conversations.
“Generally, the books have been local,” Sgambati said.
Each human book challenges a stereotype and preconceived notion that allows for the readers to thoughtfully engage with and reflect on their judgments and assumptions.
“We need to come together as a human race and support one another,” Sgambati said. “It starts on a very personal level.”
Everyone has a story. This event provides the space to leave prejudice at the door and step into an environment of learning and listening. If you are unable to join the event, you can still hold space for new perspectives. In times of uncertainty and unrest, community provides hope and strength. Breaking barriers of illusionary separation remind us all that we are more similar and able to relate to each other than we sometimes feel.
“I’ve learned to be more open and accepting and listening,” Sgambati said about the influence being a part of this event has had on him.
Take a moment to engage with discourse that focuses on empathy and releases conjectures that may be outdated, biased or limiting our ability to see each other for who we all are: human.
Check out the Human Library website at humanlibrary.org to learn more and get involved. There will also be another Human Library event at the Glenwood Springs Branch Library this fall
The event is free, but space is limited. Register online through the Garfield County Libraries’ website gcpld.org or scan the QR code on tinyurl.com/humanlibrary1 There may also be space to register at the library the morning of the event.