From CRRL
The Human Library project originated in Denmark and is “designed to build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue … a place where difficult questions are expected, appreciated and answered.” Human Library projects are being held all over the world in libraries, schools, and work places, including CRRL branches. Our Human Library will be available for check-out at these places and times:
England Run Branch, Saturday, September 30, 1:00-4:00
Salem Church Branch, Saturday, November 11, 1:00-4:00
Here are some “books” who may be available for checkout at CRRL’s Human Library events:
- The parent of a transgender child
- A transgender person
- A police officer
- A blind person
- An obese person
- A homeschooling parent
- A legal immigrant
- A biracial person
- A homosexual person
- A musician
- A recovering alcoholic
- A tattoo artist
- A child abuse survivor
As part of its mission to inspire lifelong learning for everyone in our community, CRRL is proud to host these Human Library events encouraging learning through civil and candid discourse.
What to Expect
Once you arrive, browse our catalog of volunteer human books, make your selection, and settle in for 20 minutes of conversation with your human book. It’s interactive literature at its best. Here are some featured titles:
Kristin
(England Run Branch)
When you hear “Mom homeschooling three children,” what image comes to your mind? A woman who’s dated famous musicians? Who has a master’s degree in public administration in environmental science & policy? Who owns a general contracting company? And is a doula? Has been a model? Studied philosophy? Kristin’s life has encompassed all those things and more. A multitude of circumstances led her to begin homeschooling her two oldest children.
Janelle
(England Run Branch, Salem Church Branch)
Because we live in a world that stigmatizes fat people, if given the ability to do so, Janelle would wave a magic wand and be thin. But she can’t, so she instead chooses to fully embrace and live in the body she has and not let it define her. Inside the pages of Janelle, you will find harrowing tales of shaming, humiliation, physical and emotional pain, and abuse; exciting tales of living on a sailboat, hiking the Appalachian Trail, performing on stage in many forms, and taking up space in the world; and hilarious tales of a satisfying and joyous life lived wide open. This book, like the body it is contained in, is suitable for all ages and types of people, but be warned. You may see yourself and others through different eyes after you read the final page.
Angela
(England Run Branch)
Blind since infancy, Angela is an attorney who was selected as a Virginia Super Lawyers “Rising Star” for 2016 and 2017. She holds master of science degrees in mathematics and rehabilitation counseling and serves as Board Chair for the disAbility Resource Center.
Here is an excerpt from Braxton:
(Salem Church Branch)
“Hi! My name is Braxton. I am 21 years old. I was born and raised in Culpeper, Virginia, however I just recently moved to Fredericksburg to live with my fiancée and our dog. I graduated high school in 2013, and I’m currently attending Germanna Community College with an anticipated graduation date of 2019. I am planning to major in information systems technology and then transfer to JMU to minor in cyber security.
I’d like to think I’m your typical young adult. I like to hang out with friends, go out to eat, play soccer, go to the beach, play video games, etc. The only difference is that I am transgender. Have you ever thought what it would be like to wake up in someone else’s body? To live in a body that was never yours? How would you feel if people never saw you as your true self? For the first 18 years of my life, everyone thought I was a girl. Shoot, I even thought I was a girl. Although as time went on, I never truly understood why I was so uncomfortable being treated and seen as female. That is, until I figured out that I was a boy.
Biology is funny in the sense that your body can develop one way while your brain develops another way. I want others who may feel that their story is similar to mine to know they are not alone.
Come on by to find out how my gender identity has shifted my life story.”
Come by our branches to browse these titles and other life stories contained within our Human Library.
