Human Library Galway

HUMAN LIBRARY IS BACK IN GALWAY!

The Human Library is a not-for-profit global learning platform that has been creating safe spaces for open and honest conversations since 2000, challenging stigma and stereotypes through personal dialogue.

Come and borrow a Human Book. Spend 30-40 minutes listening to a real-life story, asking the questions you have always wanted to ask, and discovering a perspective you may never have encountered before.

The Human Library is designed to challenge prejudice and discrimination, increase understanding of diversity, and help build more inclusive and cohesive communities across cultural, religious, social and ethnic differences.

Come curious. Ask questions. Challenge assumptions. Broaden your perspective.  One conversation at a time.

At the Human Library you can borrow a Human Book for 30 mins and have a safe and open dialogue about some often uncomfortable topics. You will get to meet someone with personal life experience on their chosen topic and have the opportunity for a courageous conversation with them. Galway Volunteer Centre is a publishing partner with the Human Library and are being hosted by the University of Galway for the event on the 21st September.

How does it work? 

Our Human Books are drawn from groups in society that are often stigmatised or stereotyped, marginalised, mistreated or misunderstood. As a reader you will firstly be met by one of our Librarians who will give you the human library guidelines and show you our list of titles on loan. 

As all our human books are open books we encourage readers to ask sometimes uncomfortable questions, confronting their own judgements and deep curiosity while adhering to our guidelines of respect for everyone. You may be seated with one or two more readers for the duration of your loan so we encourage you to use the time well. 

You will have the chance to borrow several books on the day and your reading slots will be assigned to you when you check in. We have a very diverse range of book titles available. After your loan we'll ask you to fill in a short reader review about your experience and our librarians will be on hand to answer any of your questions.