Human Library

Cape Cod Healthcare is partnering with Osterville Village Library to bring the award-winning Human Library program to our staff in May. Human Library is a global movement that fosters empathy and understanding by challenging stereotypes through dialogue, and has reached millions of people in over 80 countries.

Founded in Denmark in 2000, the Human Library’s mission is to provide a safe and welcoming space for sharing personal stories, breaking down barriers and promoting understanding across cultural, religious, social and ethnic differences. This aligns with CCHC’s ongoing staff training on culturally competent care delivery and unconscious bias.

CCHC Human Library events are open to all CCHC staff and will be held as follows. Registration is requested, but walk-ins are welcome.

How it Works

• Human Books: Real people with unique life experiences who have volunteered to become "books" which are available at different stations to “check out”, like one would in a library. Human books hail from all walks of life, including those who have been stereotyped or experienced prejudice based on race, religion, sexual orientation, class gender identity, lifestyle choices, disability or other differences.
• Readers: CCHC staff at the event “read" these human books by way of personal conversations with a volunteer for 15 to 20 minutes at the given station. Readers can engage with a book one-on-one or in small group conversation, listen and ask questions to gain insight into their life and experiences.
• Safe Framework: This format provides a safe space for challenging prejudice and discrimination. Attendees will be provided with event rules and sample questions.
• Dialogue: Through guidelines offered, the program encourages conversations that foster understanding and allows readers to ask questions they may not feel comfortable asking in other settings. Impact: these dialogues challenge stereotypes, increase cultural competency, fostering empathy and understanding.

List of books:

Sample questions to consider asking a book:

• Can you give examples of how being a/an [insert Book Title] affects you and your life experience?
• Which prejudices have you met in connection to/based on being a/an [insert Book Title]?
• Are there questions that make you frustrated or angry?
• What is your motivation for becoming an open “book” with the Human Library?
• What do you feel are assumptions people make about you and others who share this identity?
• What do you enjoy most about the community that exists around your identity?
• Do you feel supported in our community? How could our community better support you?