MHPL’s Human Library Book program back this weekend
Medicine Hat’s public library is hoping this weekend to use one of its long-standing services to spread education and awareness around diversity.
The public library has been offering its Human Library Book program for five years, which allows Hatters to sign out experts on a certain topic for an hour or two.
“On Saturday, as part of the month-long Raising the Curtain event, we’re hosting a human library event to celebrate diversity,” said acting chief librarian Keith Walker. “It’s also the fifth anniversary of our human library book program, so we’re looking to celebrate a couple of things Saturday.”
The public library has 39 humans who can be checked out, with topics ranging from ‘Lesbian 101’ to ‘how to achieve your goals.’
“It’s a really unique collection, and it’s something unique we offer,” said Walker. “These people are listed in our library catalogue and in the college catalogue. It’s a really helpful resource people can take advantage of.”
Saturday’s event will feature human library books with diverse backgrounds.
“It’s almost going to be like one of those fast dating games,” said Walker. “”We’ll have a group of our human library books around at tables, and they’ll all have a diverse background. People can move from table to table and talk to a few different people and learn a bit about some different backgrounds.”
The event is running at the library from 10 a.m. to noon, and refreshments will be available.
“There will be some food during event that people can come and grab,” said Walker. “We’re just looking forward to the event and hope that a lot of people can come and check it out Saturday.”
The public library will be showing the movie “Wonder” next week as part of Raising the Curtain.
More information on the public library’s events go to www.mhpl.shortgrass.ca/learnand-explore-menu/events-calendar