Borrow a ‘human book’ at this unique library on Sunday
Love to question and learn but can’t seem to pick up a book? Your problems might be resolved this Sunday when Delhi holds its first edition of the Human Library.
At the event, to be held in Connaught Place between 2pm and 7pm, people can walk in and borrow for 20 minutes human books – real people who will share their lives, experiences, and tales of success and sorrow. A participant can even ask them questions, all free of charge.
“The idea is to explore how we are more similar to each other than different. The event will have 11 ‘books’ a.k.a humans, ready to share their stories,” said Neha Singh, a member of the organising committee.
To participate, a person has to either go to the event’s Facebook page or walk in on the spot. They will then be allotted a “human book” — pre-screened people who will share their stories on 11 topics ranging from drug abuse and domestic violence to life in the army.
One of the human books is a 23-year-old cancer survivor who wished to create awareness about the disease. “I want people to know that for 21 years of my life, both my legs were working, and I even had a plan made for the future. But, life always has a different plan for you,” they said, refusing to be identified because of family reasons.
Human libraries first began in Denmark in 2000 and spread to more than 80 countries. In India, such events have been held in Hyderabad, Mumbai and Indore.
The organisers say they have curated the ‘books’ by themselves from people they found inspiring and that they expect over 500 people for the event.
None of the human books are getting paid.
“It is interesting to explore and understand other people’s lives who have overcome perceived boundaries just like me,” said one of the people acting as a book.
Mihika Wadhwa, a literature student from Delhi University who is attending the event says, “I first heard of the concept through a post about the original event that happened in Copenhagen. When I found out that it is finally happening in Delhi, I knew I can’t miss this.”