Engage in Dialogue: Stony Brook’s Human Library Returns on November 19

On November 19, 2023, Stony Brook University will host its annual Human Library event, featuring 40 “living books” that aim to challenge stereotypes and promote open dialogue. The event will take place in the Central Reading Room of the Melville Library, offering attendees the opportunity to engage in intimate 30-minute conversations with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including students, faculty, and staff members.

Participants in the Human Library serve as “books,” each with a distinctive story shaped by their unique experiences. This initiative provides a safe space for meaningful discussions, allowing attendees to confront and question societal prejudices. “This is our third year running the Human Library with our campus partners, and every year has been better than the last,” stated Chris Kretz, head of academic engagement at Stony Brook University. “We continue to be amazed and grateful at the level of support and interest. People readily volunteer to tell their stories, and our community is eager to join them in conversation.”

The event will be structured into two sessions: the first from 12:00 to 15:00 and the second from 16:00 to 19:00. It is sponsored by the University Libraries in collaboration with the DEIA Team, the Division of Student Affairs, the Office of DI3, the Office of Military and Veteran Affairs, and the Program in Public Health, Diversity, Intercultural, and Community Engagement (DICE).

Attendees are encouraged to register for the Human Library online, and further details regarding Stony Brook University Libraries’ events and workshops can be found on their official website.

This year’s Human Library emphasizes the importance of personal storytelling as a tool for understanding and empathy. By fostering connections through dialogue, the event seeks not only to enlighten participants but also to cultivate a more inclusive campus environment.