I was scrolling my newsfeed when I came across a post about the Human library happening in Denmark, I thought what a beautiful concept of talking books and wished to have it in Pakistan.
Then days later, I saw a post where people were voting to have the same event in Pakistan.
And fortunately, someone took the lead.
So, What’s Human Library?
The Human Library concept originated in Denmark in 2001 by Ronni Abergel and his brother Dany. It’s a movement of talking books where people with different backgrounds share their experiences with the listeners. Started in Denmark, it functions in 50 different countries, and people look forward to connecting with the living stories.
Like in the book, you came across a story. Similarly, in the event, you meet people who have gone through some experience and volunteer to share it with people. The advantage is that you can talk to them directly as they are the source of information for their stories. It promotes inclusion and empathy towards each other.
In Pakistan, there are hardly any institutions that let people talk about their stories openly. One can’t take the step without the fear of being judged and talked about. Even in Facebook groups, if some people skip their shell to share their experience, they had to do it with an anonymous identity.
So, an event like Human Libray is needed to make people realize the true tell-tale, especially of a woman.
How Will it Happen?
People who have stories will register their titles for the event. For example, if you have experienced sexual harassment in Pakistan, you can come forward and lock your title “Sexual Harassment” for the event.
Similarly, people can lock different titles like this. Listeners, who want to listen to these stories will pick their titles and it will connect both the storyteller and the listener. The titles can vary according to the people. Each session would last for 20 minutes. If you wish to pick more stories, you can keep moving to new titles.
The diversification in the titles will help people borrow books according to their choices. The session will allow one-to-one conversation that will shift your perception of the topic. It will let you empathize with ones who have suffered, lost and survived.
The event will take place on 8th August between 4:00 p.m – 6:00 p.m. The venue is yet to reveal.
If you have a story and want to share it with people, it’s a perfect opportunity. And if you’re a Listener, what can be more impactful than listening to the journey of your own people.
Right now, it’s happening in Karachi but we want people from different cities to participate for a wholesome experience.
For more details, connect to the following Facebook page:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/humanlibrarypak
I prefer books and diaries more than phones and Facebook. Soulfully connected to Pakistan. And I passionately believe that I can change the world through blogging.
