Ottawa’s Human Library (January 28th)

Imagine my surprise when I came across the headline “Ottawa’s ‘human books’ include judge, prostitute; One-on-one chats.” Apparently, the Ottawa public library system is incorporating all its branches for a one-day Human Library project, in which various locations will have 8-10 people with distinct experiences ready and willing to converse with patrons about their life. According to Adrian Humphreys’ article,

[t]he Human Library started in Denmark in 2000, when an anti-violence group was asked to build a program to promote dialogue, reduce prejudices and encourage understanding for fans attending the large Roskilde music festival. It has been replicated around the world.

The scheduled line-up includes a stripper, a prostitute, a CBC videographer, a pediatric neurosurgeon, among others. Patrons of the library will have the opportunity to scan a catalogue card and “borrow” the human book for 20-minute conversations. For obvious reasons, this event is being marketed to adults, and organizers are quick to point out that these are not presentations. The idea is to talk, ask questions and ultimately come away with a different and fresh understanding of a subject. One man, who agreed to participate, will sit with a sign that reads “HIV-Positive” and likens the experience to a “Human Zoo.” In addition to the Main, Greenboro, Centrepointe, and Stittsville branches, the Canadian War Museum will hold its own event featuring a war artist, veteran, and other military-related persons of interest.

This is the first time I’ve learned of an event like this being held in Ottawa, which is a distinctly diplomatic city, so I was shocked to learn that we had the capacity to push social and political boundaries. According to Humphreys’ informative article, over 900, 000 people submitted their stories in order to be a part of the Human Library project. From that numer, only 60 were selected to participate.

From the sounds of these statistics, people want to share their stories with others. Look at bloggers, for example; we purposely share snipets of our lives with readers, sometimes offering personal and often private thoughts to the strangers who read our posts. I think the key word here is environment. The Ottawa Public Library is creating an atmosphere of learning, curiosity and, hopefully, comfort for all those involved. Our blogs also keep this in mind; although we encourage our readers to share their ideas and opinions, we do so in an environment that excludes unhealthy, angry, and inappropriately meanspirited comments.

However, there is one major difference between blogging and being a human book: as bloggers, we have the safety of sharing and writing behind the privacy of a computer screen; in person, we would have to share our private experiences while looking into the eyes of strangers. There is also, no matter how hard the “reader” may try to be openminded, an element of judgement, especially if the “human book” has a profession that is not accepted by mainstream society.

Thankfully, a Reader Etiquette has been established by the organizers:

1. The Reader must be respectful in his or her questions and conversation with the Book.

2. The Reader accepts the fact that the Book can quit the conversation if he or she feels that the Reader treats him or her in an inappropriate or disrespectful manner.

3. The loan period is for 20 minutes. The loan can be extended up to 10 minutes if both Book and Reader agree.

4. The Reader must not record, videotape, take pictures or interview the Book.

5. The Reader is not allowed to ask the Book for personal contact information.

Would you ever consider being a human book?

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