Iben, a quiet 46-year-old sexual-abuse victim with mental health issues who doesn’t give out her last name, is one of eight “books” curious people can “borrow” in Copenhagen today.
For 30 minutes, you can ask anything you want, either one-on-one or in a small group.
“The Human Library is a safe space where we can explore diversity, learn about ways in which we’re different from each other, engage with people we normally would never meet, and challenge your unconscious bias,” explains Ronni Abergel, the project’s initiator.
He created the living library in 2000 during the Roskilde music festival and went on to build a non-profit organisation. The concept has since found its way into more than 70 countries.
“A reading truly is a conversation,” says Abergel. “I’m going to take a few minutes to explain my topic, my background, and make sure you can ask me anything about being HIV-positive or disabled or transgender, or a refugee or Jewish or Muslim, whatever my topic may be.”
Blank pages
In most cases the conversations flow freely, typically held in a calm environment like a city library, a meeting room or, as today, in the garden of the Human Library’s premises.
“Sometimes people ask a lot and the conversation flows. But sometimes I maybe need to tell them a little bit more, ask my readers questions in order for them to reflect or ask new questions,” says Anders Fransen, a 36-year-old blind and hearing-impaired “book”.
People are encouraged “to ask really difficult questions”, Abergel says, stressing that nothing is off-limits, no matter how sensitive the subject may be.
People who loan Iben can choose between three of her oral books – sexual abuse victim, living with borderline personality disorder, or severe post-traumatic stress disorder.
She has on occasion refused to answer questions. “I have said that page wasn’t written yet. So they just smiled and said okay,” she recalls.
But she’s never had a bad experience in her four years. “All my readings are different” and they’ve evolved over the years, she says.
“When I started, I was in a totally different place. I’ve been working on myself for years. It’s such a gift being a book, you can self-reflect.”
Fransen says he’s proud to have helped people develop how they think about disabilities. After a recent “reading” with some eighth graders, he overheard them talking to their friends.
“They were saying, ‘Hey, this guy is a cool guy, he has a cool story to tell’. So I made an impression on them,” he smiles.
‘Neutral learning space’
“Loanees” come away with powerful experiences, too. “All the responses we’re getting indicate it’s a high-impact experience,” Abergel says.
He was recently contacted by a reader who borrowed a human book in 2004.
“She was telling us about the impact it had on her view on Muslims, how she had used that information in the 17 years that have passed. So that has been to the benefit of the community, to her and other people of Muslim background.”
In an increasingly polarised world, Abergel wants his initiative to help people become “less apprehensive, more open, more understanding and accepting of your right to be different”. But, he insists, the organisation is not about promoting diversity or combating prejudice.
“We run a neutral learning space where there is an opportunity for you to engage, learn about yourself and other groups,” he says. “What you learn and what you do with your learning is entirely in your hands.”