Q: What is the Human Library?
A: The Human Library involves having people who are varied in age, sex and social and cultural backgrounds, or represent common stereotypes in society, to act as 'Books'. Visitors to the Human Library will be invited to loan a ‘Book’ and have honest conversations with them on a one-to-one basis.
Q: What is the history of the Human Library?
A: The Human Library was first held in Denmark at the Roskilde Festival in 2000. It has since been held many times around the world and is coordinated by the Human Library Organisation in Denmark. Our team has secured approval from the organisation to carry out the first Human Library in Singapore.
Q: What is the aim of the Human Library?
A: The Human Library aims to make people more open to the different perspectives and views in society, and also to break down the prejudices and stereotypes that people have towards certain groups, through the direct power of face-to-face conversation.
Readers
Q: How do I borrow a Book?
A: 1. Visit the Human Library on 7 August.
2. Browse through the catalogue at the counter and indicate
which ‘Book’ you want to borrow.
3. The librarian will pass you a list of suggested questions to
start the conversation going and direct you and the ‘Book’
to an empty table.
4. Have an conversation with the ‘Book’ (either alone or as a
small group) and leave the Library with a new perspective!
Q: What questions can I ask?
A: All readers will be given a list of possible questions that they can ask the books. However, the list is not exhaustive. Readers are expected to practise self-censorship and ask relevant questions to keep the conversation polite and civil.
Q: Is there a limit to the number of questions that I can ask?
A: No. However, each loan session is limited to a maximum of 20 mins.
Q: Can I choose the Book which I want to read?
A: Yes. However, if the Book is currently being loaned, we will suggest that you read other Books that the librarians on duty will recommend first, and read your preferred one after that session.
Q: How many Books am I allowed to read?
A: There is no limit to the number of Books you can read. However, readers must join to queue to loan books after each session.
Q: Can my group of friends and I talk to a Book at the same time?
A: Yes. However, readers should keep to small groups of at most 5 so as to facilitate the dialogue between the Book and readers.
If you would like to know more about our Books, do join us at our event on 7 August 2011! More information can be found on Event Details page.
For more enquiries regarding Human Library Singapore 2011 event, feel free to email us at humanlibrarysingapore2011@gmail.com
