The HLO is dedicated to ensuring a global implementation of the Human Library as a learning platform. "We are at current operational on six continents and we host or are involved in activities in more than 80 countries. We also have the privilege of working with some of the larger brands in the world. Helping them with their diversity and inclusion efforts".
THE ORIGIN OF THE HUMAN LIBRARY
The Human Library or “Menneskebiblioteket” as it is called in Danish, was created in Copenhagen in the spring of 2000 by Ronni Abergel and his brother Dany and colleagues Asma Mouna and Christoffer Erichsen.
The original event was open eight hours a day for four days straight and featured over fifty different titles. The broad selection of books provided readers with ample choice to challenge their stereotypes and so more than a thousand readers took advantage leaving books, librarians, organisers and readers stunned at the reception and impact of the Human Library.
THE CONCEPT
Today the Human Library organizes thousands of volunteers and it is a registered trademark that may only be used with written permission from the Human Library Organisation. To become involved in our work as a volunteer, please read more here.
GOALS
WHAT IS THE HUMAN LIBRARY?
The Human Library is a global innovative and handson learning platform. "We are embedded in high school to higher learning, medical training to civic engagement to better our understanding of diversity in order to help create more inclusive and cohesive communities across cultural, religious, social and ethnic differences".
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION TRAINING
The Human Library offers diversity, equity and inclusion training for companies that wish to better incorporate social understanding within their workforce, as well as grow their cultural awareness for deeper partnerships with clients.
SAFE FRAMEWORK
"In our education visit, the Human Library works to create a safe framework for personal conversations that can help to challenge prejudice, get aim to help rid discrimination, prevent conflicts and contribute to greater human cohesion across social, religious and ethnic divisions".
DIALOG
"We meet our goals by creating a special dialogue room, where taboo topics can be discussed openly and without condemnation". A place where people who would otherwise never talk find room for conversation.