Stories about overcoming challenges were on full display at this year’s Human Library event.
The event featured 10 volunteers, known as “human books,” who represented groups that have been subjected to discrimination, stigmatization or prejudice because of their diagnosis, lifestyle, social status, disability, ethnic origin or belief.
The human books talked about their experiences and responded to questions, and engaged with the audience, known as “readers” during the event held Sunday at Santa Fe College’s Blount Center in downtown Gainesville.
Sponsored by Altrusa International of Gainesville, a non-profit organization focused on community service, in collaboration with the International Human Library, Friends of the Library, Alachua County Library District and SF College.
This year’s theme was “Unjudge Someone.”
Attendees had the opportunity to challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue and went to three sessions to hear experiences from a human book.
“Having a small, interactive conversation edifies the readers and the books,” said Kimberly Browne, event chairperson. “I love the chance to delve into complex and complicated issues.”