Altrusa International of Gainesville will be hosting the 2024 Human Library event which will take place at 2 p.m. February 11, 2024 at Santa Fe College's Blount Hall. This year’s theme is “unjudge someone.” The volunteers, known as “human books,” represent groups in our society that have been subjected to prejudice, stigmatization, or discrimination because of their lifestyle, diagnosis, belief, disability, social status, or ethnic origin.
The event is designed to create a safe space for dialogue, where experiences with prejudice will be discussed openly and in a respectful manner. The Human Library is designed to build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue. This event is not intended to be a storytelling event. Human books are asked to relate their singular experiences, then respond to questions, and engage with the audience, known as “readers.” The event is designed to spark a conversation and create a discussion between the human books and readers.
Event sponsored by Altrusa International of Gainesville, International Human Library, Friends of the Library, Alachua County Library District, and Santa Fe College.
The “Pillars of Prejudice” that will be represented by human books at the 2024 Human Library are:
1. Immigrant
2. Gender
3. Victim
4. Disabilities
5. Sexual Orientation
6. Physical Disabilities
7. Mental Health
If a person with a disability needs an accommodation in order to participate in this event he or she is entitled, at no cost to him or her, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the Alachua County Library District at 352-334-3910 at least three (3) days prior to the event. TTY users please call 711 (Florida Relay Service).