Sociologists Billy Bromage and Virginia Spell have worked with Arts & Ideas to coordinate a Human Library event on the New Haven Green.
The Human Library creates an experience of open dialogue between diverse people. Individuals volunteer as human ‘books’ and participants can ‘read’ the book. During this half hour they can have a respectful one on one conversation to gain a deeper understanding of one another despite their differences.
The event will take place Saturday, June 24 from 12pm to 4pm. Patrons will be able to ‘check-out’ a ‘book’ at the Festival Center, just to the left of the main stage, for about half an hour of open conversation.
‘Books’ are volunteers from all walks of life who have experienced discrimination based on race, religion, sexual preference, class, gender identity, sex, age, lifestyle, disability and other aspects of their life. Some of the available titles include:
- Addiction….from the families perspective
- Why I serve
- Living my Truth
- Making it as a Young Mother
- A Life in Transition
- A road less traveled: From divorcing a woman to marrying myself
- A Self Made Man
** When you get to the Green please ask us about other titles available in our collection.
What makes The Human Library especially valuable is the opportunity it provides community members to take the initiative in getting to know their neighbors. In order to truly better New Haven for everyone, we must commit to understanding one another.
This event was coordinated in partnership with West River Neighborhood Services Corporation, Whalley-Edgewood-Beaver Hill Management Team, Yale Program for Recovery and Community Health, and Continuum.
Visit the event page for more information.
- Catherine Harger, Community Programs Intern