Why Be a Book?

Everybody has a story. What’s yours?

Let’s create a dialogue and understanding between people. How do you do that? We invite you to participate as a Human Book for SMHS Library Resources Alive Library scheduled to happen this March. How does this work?

Instead of a paper or audio book, books in the Alive Library are humans who interact with readers to have uncommon conversations that challenge stereotypes and prejudices through respectful dialogue. Each of us bring to the table a lived experience that others may not understand or have misconceptions about. By being a book, you are inviting Readers to gain cognitive empathy while learning of health disparities, unrecognized implicit biases and debunking stereotypes.

Books should expect difficult questions and be prepared to appreciate and answer them.

Consider these questions as you think about sharing your story:

• What relevant experiences with bias and/or prejudice would you like to share with readers
• For what reasons would you like to become a book?
• What title would you select for yourself?

Curious? Want more information? Contact Sandi L. Bates, SW clinical campus librarian.