The Human Library is a collaboration between the Alfred Box of Books Library, Alfred State College’s Hinkle Memorial Library, and the Libraries at Alfred University, Scholes and Herrick.  The goal of this event is to bring together students and community members for meaningful conversations and to foster a greater appreciation for one another.

At this event, Books are volunteers.  They select the subject matter and title they will represent. They are the resources which will be utilized by Readers. Readers are event attendees, who can select a Book to borrow. Checking out a book entails engaging in a one-on-one or small group conversation for about 15 minutes.

The context of the event provides a safe and judgment-free time and place for Readers to ask questions they may not feel comfortable expressing in other situations, and for Books to share themselves and their experiences.