Human Library

In the organizer's words:

Unlike in an ordinary library, in the Human Library people can be borrowed for a conversation instead of books.

What they all have in common is a special history that has often been shaped by prejudice, stereotypes or discrimination. By sharing experiences and questions in conversation, prejudices can be broken down, horizons broadened and new perspectives opened up. This takes place in a safe space of encounter in which mutual respectful understanding can be possible.

The topics of all books are collected in a catalog, which readers can use to inform themselves. They then decide who they want to talk to and which topic they want to find out more about. The initiator of the Human Library in Hamburg, Shirley Hartlage, is available to answer questions at all times.

The"Human Library" concept was originally developed by the Danish youth initiative "Stop Violence!" and implemented for the first time at the Roskilde Festival in Denmark in 2000. Today, the Human Library Organization is an independent NGO that has organized Human Libraries in over 70 countries.

Shirley Hartlage studied social work and has extensive counseling experience in psychosocial fields. She is committed to increasing the visibility of taboo subjects and produces media and art objects. She works as a therapist, speaker and media maker in her own practice in Hamburg.

Price information:

Prior registration is not required.