Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University Libraries will host The Human Library event on November 20. This initiative aims to challenge stereotypes and prejudice through direct dialogue with individuals. In this setting, participants engage in 30-minute private conversations with people who have experienced overcoming prejudice or defying stereotypes. Attendees might converse with individuals such as a parent of a gay child, a hate crime survivor, someone who is autistic, or a refugee.

The Human Library event offers an opportunity for attendees to interact and ask questions they may not have had the chance to before. The event will take place at the Melville Library Central Reading Room from noon to 3 pm and again from 5 pm to 7 pm.

The concept originated in Denmark in 2000 by Ronni Abergel, Dany Abergel, Asma Mouna, and Christoffer Erichsen. It has since been hosted globally in collaboration with various institutions.

This year's event is sponsored by University Libraries alongside the DEIA Team with the Division of Student Affairs, Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Intercultural Initiative (DI3), Office of Military and Veteran Affairs, Diversity, Intercultural, and Community Engagement (DICE), and the Program in Public Health. For more information about the event, inquiries can be directed to libraryevents@stonybrook.edu.