The Human Library to publish at the Library of Congress

On Saturday, September 6, 2025, the Human Library will be featured at the Library of Congress National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. Visitors are invited to join this unique and thought-provoking event from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM ET at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

The Human Library is an innovative learning platform where people are the “books” and their personal stories are open to readers through honest, one-on-one conversations. Each living “book” represents an experience often misunderstood or stigmatized in society. Visitors will have the chance to “borrow” a person for dialogue, ask questions, and challenge their own perceptions in a safe and respectful setting.

At this special session, we are bringing books together from different local book depots around the country and so our readers will encounter titles covering a wide spectrum of lived experiences, including: Disabilities, ethnicity, family, health, lifestyle, mental health, neurodiversity and occupation

The Human Library encourages participants to “unjudge someone” by engaging with real people who volunteer to share their personal journeys. By listening to these diverse voices, visitors gain new insights into the challenges and triumphs that shape different lives.

Admission is free and the event is open to the public. Whether you are curious about the world around you, seeking new perspectives, or eager to challenge stereotypes, the Human Library offers an unforgettable experience that fosters empathy, dialogue, and connection.

For those attending the National Book Festival, the Human Library event is an opportunity to step beyond the written page and into the living stories that reflect the diversity of our communities.

This event was made possible through a kind donation from Mrs Gina Haldeman and Mr. Kurt Haldeman.