A non-profit organisation that forms part of an international social movement, Human Library was conceptualised in 2000 in Denmark by Ronni Abergel and the team from Stop the Violence.
Since then it has been introduced to more than 80 countries.
Human Library launched in South Africa in January 2018 in Cape Town and opened another "depot" in Johannesburg shortly thereafter.
We host events where you can select a title from our "human books" available on that day, have a conversation with this volunteer about their topic and ask everything you ever wanted to know but were too afraid to ask about it.
Titles range from lifestyle, occupation, religion, political views, health, social status, sexuality and ethnicity to otherwise difficult or taboo topics like survivors of trauma or loss.
These events take place in public spaces, libraries, partners' venues, schools and at events.
We are also offering corporate services where we can host a library event at your office or facilitate a "borrow a co-worker" event.
Through this we hope to challenge stereotypes and stigmas and allow a safe space for otherwise difficult dialoge.