The Human Library was an event that was greatly anticipated at the Ontarion office, with all of the section editors participating for the first time. We selected our “human books” from the long list of those available; a collection of misrepresented viewpoints and lifestyles, all seeking to challenge the stereotypes they face through conversation. When the time came, we all sat down with our books and simply talked. Some spent a long time talking with their book, while others stayed just for their designated half-hour time-slot. Regardless of the time spent with our human books, there was one thing that was plain to everyone in our office: the Human Library is a really good idea.

So often, we find the tendency to constantly surround ourselves with people who act like we do, talk like we do, and share our viewpoints rather than challenge them. There is no surprise to be found in this fact, but it becomes clear after an event like the Human Library that we might be doing ourselves a disservice. The point of the Human Library is not to shake your personal beliefs at their foundation, but rather to present the opportunity to become more aware, more sensitive, and more informed about different lifestyles and viewpoints that we would otherwise go without encountering. It allows for a tweaking of our assumptions and calls for self-reflection; gazing inward and considering carefully the views that we hold. For some, this meant an affirmation of these views, and for others, a new light was shone on our own unconscious prejudice.

The discovery here is that one can be an educated, tolerant and informed individual overall, but still, without encountering contrary perspectives, can carry understandings of other lifestyles that are based on stereotypes and unfair assumptions. This kind of one-on-one conversation with someone who holds another perspective may be the most productive way to fine-tune your own, to get clarification, and to see more clearly.

Many of the “human books” that we encountered we had only known before as statistics. They were, to us, numbers and figures in a graph or chart. It wasn’t until we sat down with them in this organized fashion that they gained a face, a story and a voice in our minds. This is probably the most important thing to be gained by participating in the Human Library.

So, the Human Library is a good thing, right? Maybe you’ll participate next year, right?

But, there is something larger to take away from what can be learned through this annual event. While it may come naturally that those we encounter have views that run parallel to our own, this isn’t always something we should accept. It becomes our responsibility to challenge our worldviews and assumptions. It falls to us to actively seek out other perspectives and engage them in the kind of productive one-on-one discussion that we see in the Human Library. Certainly, this might be uncomfortable for some, intimidating even. But consider, what is worse: to be uncomfortable or ignorant?