The UNT Library is hosting a Human Library in the Willis Library Forum on April 22 from 1-7 p.m. and April 23 from 1-7 p.m. Instead of print or electronic resources, the books in the Human Library are people who have experienced prejudice because of their race, gender, age, disability, ethnic origin, class, sexual preference, gender identity, or lifestyle choices.

This is the third year that the UNT Libraries have hosted a Human Library, and this year’s Human Books include police officers, survivors of sexual assault, a pastor, an atheist and former fundamentalist Christian, a food addict, and representatives from other groups or lifestyles that may come with immediate misconceptions or preconceived ideas about them.

The Human Library creates a safe environment for community members to ask questions and for the human books to share their stories without fear of disrespect or judgment.

“We have to make sure that no matter what, people are having respectful conversations,” explains volunteer coordinator Jeanette Laredo. “This event is a sharing experience and not a way to promote ideas or convert people. We also want to make sure our books are not being bruised in the same way by harsh words or prejudice.”

Human books may be checked out for 15-30 minute conversations, and visitors to the Human Library are encouraged to check out any book whose title piques their interest. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Spencer Keralis at 940-565-6884 or spencer.keralis@unt.edu.

The following Human Books will be available:

Adopted (Available Thurs 4/23 3-5 p.m.)

Asperger’s/Erb’s Palsy (Available Wed 4/22 from 5-7 p.m. and Thurs 4/23 1-5 p.m.)

Atheist/Former Fundamentalist Christian (Available Wed 4/22 from 1-1:30 and 3-7 p.m.)

Bipolar (Available Wed 4/22 from 5-7 p.m. and Thurs 4/23 1-3 p.m.)

Divorced (Available Thurs 4/23 1-3 p.m.)

Food Addict (Available Wed 4/22 from 5-7 p.m. and Thurs 4/23 5-7 p.m.)

Former Substance Abuser (Available Wed 4/22 from 3-5 p.m.)

Gay Man (Available Thurs 4/23 5-7 p.m.)

Hellenic Polytheist (Available Thurs 4/23 5-7 p.m.)

Longtime Homeschooler (Available Wed 4/22 from 1-5 p.m.)

Marxist Feminist/Anti-Death Penalty (Available Thurs 4/23 1-5 p.m.)

Objectified (Available Wed 4/22 from 5-7 p.m. and Thurs 4/23 3-5 p.m.)

Pastor (Available Wed 4/22 from 2-4 p.m.)

Police Officer (Available Wed 4/22 from 1-5 p.m. and Thurs 4/23 1-7 p.m.)

Polyamorous (Available Wed 4/22 from 5-7 p.m. and Thurs 4/23 3-7 p.m.)

Sexual Assault Survivor (Available Wed 4/22 from 1-7 p.m.)

Professional Queer (Available Wed 4/22 from 1-5 p.m.)

Transgender (Available Wed 4/22 from 1-2 p.m.)

Veteran (Available Thurs 4/23 5-7 p.m.)

Vitiligo (Available Thurs 4/23 5-7 p.m.)