Try a book that talks back

They call them Human Libraries. In essence, the opportunity to hear a biography “live,” instead of simply reading about it.

To understand the people behind the labels. To know before we judge. Better yet, to unjudge.

Denmark’s brilliant concept is a nonprofit now operating in 85 countries on six continents, the brainchild of Danish brothers Ronni and Dany Abergel and colleagues Asma Mouna and Christoffer Erichsen 22 years ago.

For four days at that first library event, 50 “books” (people with labels/titles such as “unemployed,” “bipolar,” “soldier,” “refugee,” “convert,” “young mother,” or “alcoholic”) were “read” by more than a thousand people in Copenhagen with overwhelmingly positive reception.

A safe space for open and honest, unreserved explorations of tough topics.

Readers listen to stories, ask questions — including the hard ones behind stereotypes and perceptions, and hear responses for half an hour. These one-on-one, interactive reading experiences provide a uniquely intimate way to understand human challenges, made real by individuals living them.

By publishing people, the human library concept is putting knowledge into action. The better we understand problems, the better we can help solve them. Especially when the topic is considered taboo, politically correct or incorrect, or just outside the common experience, simply having an open and frank conversation about it with people who’ve been there is a priceless opportunity, according to readers who have tried it.

And we just might trust each other more, and berate each other less. Compassion has infinite power to transform not only individuals, but society as a whole.

We sorely need that right now.

Each library is unique, reflecting the books and readers in the local community.

The Human Library branched out to the U.S. in 2008, with events held sporadically across the nation. Each event relies on volunteers — who can sign up with the main organization to host one and recruit books — and generally occurs on weekends for one or more full days.

The next in Coeur d’Alene will be a combination of free live and remote events, hosted by the Human Rights Education Institute on Wednesday, April 27, from noon to 3 p.m. at NIC's DeArmond Building, room 106; and Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at HREI, 414 Fort Grounds Drive.

For information and to register see: eventbrite.com/e/human-library-live-and-remote-tickets-294134643637 or call HREI at 208-292-2359.

To learn more about the Human Library, see Humanlibrary.org.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Email Sholeh@cdapress.com.