Human Library

Like a conventional library, the Human Library consists of readers, librarians, books, and a book catalogue. What distinguishes this library from others is that its books are people who engage in personal dialogue with their readers rather than simply being read. 

Based on the principle “Don’t judge a book by its cover!”, the Human Library features representatives of different social groups who face prejudice and stereotypes and have experienced discrimination and social exclusion. 

The main aim of the Living Library is to create a constructive dialogue environment where people from different social groups can come together, get to know one another, and develop mutual understanding. This dialogue, taking place in a comfortable and safe environment, provides a space for challenging the prejudices and stereotypes that form the basis of discrimination.

What If Books Read Each Other?

“Human Library: The Books That Read” is a special event that brings participants who have previously taken part as “Books” in Human Library events into the role of readers. In this format, Books with different identities and life experiences have the opportunity to listen to one another’s stories, ask questions, share their own experiences, and learn from each other. 

First held in 2024 at Sabancı University’s Altunizade Digital Campus, the event takes the core approach of the Human Library one step further by creating a space for direct and in-depth dialogue between Books. By bringing people together to share their experiences, the event contributes to questioning social prejudices, strengthening empathy, and fostering understanding and connections between different life experiences.