In this library, you can borrow a ‘person’ instead of a ‘book’

In a world where people are constantly chained to stereotypes, there is a need to provide freedom to be oneself. Media, trends and so much more, push so many to leave the characteristics that make them unique and follow the crowd. What’s worse is people are looked down on for having a different opinion and are encouraged to shut down their vibrant personalities. A library is changing that, one person at a time. The Human Library in Denmark has been thriving with its kind and open mindset that has just one aim: To 'unjudge,' per Euro News. 

The library looks like any other bookstore, but with a twist - here the visitors get to read people instead of books. Every day, people come here from different walks of life to unite in diversity. Sharing the story of several visitors, including Anders Fransen, one can get a glimpse of what this magically humane library holds. Blind and deaf, Fransen finds it hard to connect with people. His uniqueness keeps the monotonous crowd from getting to know what lies within. Fransen has a weekly opportunity with the Human Library to share his story and bond with people. His life is nothing short of a book and he narrates his story. “I come to the Human Library because I want to give people awareness that behind my conditions, I'm a person,” he remarked.

The library aims to invite several people who have unique qualities, good and bad, to be a part of the organization and share more about themselves. Where no one accepts or opens their hearts, this library has their back. The process is as simple as “reading.” Each person or group gets half an hour with the speaker who narrates their story as if straight out of a book. Readers have the freedom to ask questions and fully engage, satisfying their curiosity and having a productive time.

Founder and CEO Ronni Abergel mentioned that they aim to bring to light many outcast people and reveal that they too have something beautiful to share and connect over. “We looked for people that were homeless, unemployed, depressed, had mental health issues, had certain disabilities, they could help educate us,” he explained. Now established in different parts of the world, many others are building on having a space like the Human Library where all people can freely bond without hesitating about their weaknesses.

The library conducts various events and readings consistently and even shares the same on its Instagram page. Many of their posts reflect the changes they have made in people's lives in the form of smiles, comfort, and more. One of the posts showed a man in a wheelchair, balancing a football on a stick with his hands, complete with a million-dollar smile. Another post captured a man with the most unique tattoos and piercings covering his entire face. Though all different in their own ways, each person is titled a “book” and each visitor who converses with them is a “reader.” With heartfelt conversations, kindness and love, this library is changing the world with one strategy: To unjudge.

You can follow the Human Library (@humanlibraryorganization) on Instagram for more wholesome content on reading and lifestyle.