The Human Library, an annual interactive project of Docudays UA, introduces ‘readers’ to people with remarkable life stories. The human ‘books’, in turn, give the ‘readers’ in our ‘library’ an opportunity for dialogue and an understanding of how much a person’s real life may differ from the widespread stereotype about them.
The ‘books’ in this year’s Human Library will be people whose strength lies in resilience and compassion, in the desire to act, to defend their country, and to create positive change in society.
This year’s Human Library focuses on the experience of living under occupation and being held in captivity. You will also hear the stories of women who left civilian professions to defend Ukraine, civilian deminers, defenders of Mariupol, and veterans who recovered from severe injuries without losing faith in themselves.
We will also talk about how the indigenous Ukrainian ethnic group of the Azov Urum people preserve their identity during the war, and how Palestinian and Roma communities develop their own cultures and support Ukraine. In addition, during the Living Library, you will have a chance to learn how people with mental health conditions live and build their careers, and how people with disabilities advocate for accessibility and the right to a full life.
How to become a ‘reader’?
The Human Library will take place at a new location, the RIGHTS NOW! Lectorium near the Zhovten Cinema, on 6–10 June. Each day, there will be three ‘reading’ sessions from 12:00 to 12:50 p.m., from 1:00 to 1:50 p.m., and from 2:00 to 2:50 p.m. Each session will last 50 minutes.
We recommend choosing the ‘books’ that interest you in advance by looking up the Human Library schedule on the website. Our volunteers at the venue will help you join the selected sessions. During the event itself, you will have a chance to ask the ‘books’ your questions.
‘Readers’ are expected to follow the established guidelines:
Take turns during the discussion and give others a chance to speak.
‘Return the book’ to the ‘library’ in the same psychological state they were in before meeting with the ‘reader’.
In the Human Library, no question is too silly, awkward, or provocative. But there is no room for insults either.
History
The very first Human Library was launched in 2000 at the Roskilde Music Festival in Denmark. The concept was developed by the Danish youth NGO Stop the Violence. Since then, the idea has gained global popularity and found a home in Ukraine as well.
The Human Library breaks down walls between people and challenges harmful stereotypes through conversation. You just have to give it a try!
Curated by Yevhen Pavlukovsky, e-mail: [email protected].
The 23rd Docudays UA is held with the financial support of the European Union, the Embassy of Sweden in Ukraine and the Ukrainian State Film Agency. The opinions, conclusions, or recommendations do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the governments of these countries. Responsibility for the content of the publication lies exclusively with the authors and editors of the publication.
