Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University recently hosted its second Human Library event, a concept where individuals volunteer to become "books" and engage in open dialogues with "readers." This initiative aims to challenge stereotypes and prejudices by providing a platform for personal storytelling. Sponsored by various university departments, including the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Team and the Office of Military and Veteran Student Services, the event attracted more than 150 readers who interacted with 30 community members serving as "books."

Janet Clarke, associate dean of research and learning at Stony Brook University Libraries, brought the idea to campus after discovering it at a conference. She expressed that creating a safe space for vulnerable interactions is crucial: “It clicked with me instantly about how powerful this could be,” she said.

Participants like Renee Chabot-Mehlin shared unique experiences such as having an identical twin. She stated, “I really connected to the SBU community through this program... we are all individuals that are deserving of empathy, kindness, and respect regardless of appearance.”

Deborah Britton-Riley described her participation as cathartic: “This was an invaluable experience that forced me to be vulnerable and share my story... It is very inspiring to be a ‘book’ in the Human Library.”

Usama Shaikh highlighted the growth of the event: “I was excited to see that the ‘library’ grew... Having done this last year, I felt a lot more comfortable as a ‘book’.”

Ashley Liegi found personal value in participating: “It was a fantastic experience... I had a really great and intimate conversation.” Similarly, Teagan O’Connell appreciated learning new perspectives: “The lesson of the ‘book’ was not to judge someone from the way they look.”

Shaikh noted the genuine curiosity from participants: “One of the common themes for both years has been the genuine desire and interest of the readers in learning more about the ‘books’.”

Clarke concluded by emphasizing shared human experiences discovered through these interactions: “The power of this program is that a reader can sit down with an unfamiliar ‘book’ and realize... there are recognizable experiences such as being excluded...”