At a Human Library, you can 'borrow' a real person to hear their life story and challenge your prejudices.

The Human Library Organization was founded in Copenhagen, Denmark, by Ronni Abergel, Dany Abergel, Asma Mouna, and Christoffer Erichsen. It debuted at the Roskilde Festival in 2000, originally featuring 75 different 'books' to help reduce violence and social tension. The initiative has since expanded to over 80 countries, partnering with institutions like the Zurich Public Library and various universities worldwide.The core methodology relies on the 'Contact Hypothesis' in psychology, which suggests that interpersonal contact is one of the most effective ways to reduce prejudice between majority and minority group members. By engaging in a 30-minute face-to-face Q&A session, participants can ask difficult questions that might be considered taboo in other settings. This direct interaction helps humanize groups that are often dehumanized by media or social bias.Studies on the impact of the Human Library have shown significant shifts in participant attitudes. For instance, research conducted by various social scientists indicates that these 'living book' sessions can lead to long-term reductions in implicit bias. The organization maintains a diverse 'bookshelf' including titles like 'Refugee', 'Transgender', 'Bipolar', and 'Muslim', ensuring that the volunteers represent a wide spectrum of lived experiences.