I would like to invite your participation in the Surrey Library’s “Human Library Program.” The overall theme of the Human Library Program this year is Religion. We are looking for someone who can speak from a Jewish perspective.
The “Human Library Program” is an innovation initiative in which people agree to act as “Human Books” for an afternoon, and people from the community can come and “sign you out” for a half-hour conversation.
The Program takes place in the Library under full supervision from Library staff. The program has been running for two years now, and there have never been any security concerns. This year’s event takes place on May 31, 2014.
You can learn more about the global Human Library initiative
here. For information on the local Surrey Libraries program, I recommend these two articles by
CBC and
Bruce Grierson, Social Science Writer.
The program has a dual purpose: 1) to shatter stereotypes about people or groups of people, especially groups who face discrimination or who are marginalized or misunderstood, and 2) to tap into the wealth of knowledge, expertise and experience that exists in our community.
Ultimately, the goal of the program is to promote dialogue, understanding, empathy, a respect for diversity and a chance to talk to people whose background and experiences are completely different from our own.
Participants have to be good communicators, confident, enthusiastic, friendly, and personable. All potential Human Books will meet with library staff prior to the event to determine suitability.
Please let me know ASAP if this is something you are interested in.
David Dalley, Convenor
Surrey Interfaith Council
interfaith@movingtogether.ca
(604) 502-8661