West Palm Beach DDA Gives New Meaning to Being “An Open Book” As Mandel Public Library Hosts The Human Library®, Sat., Oct. 19
October 16th, 2024
Downtown West Palm Beach becomes latest city to host unique initiative aimed at breaking down stereotypes and prejudices through “human books”
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (October 16, 2024) — Never before will the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” ring truer than when the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) welcomes the Human Library® to the Mandel Public Library on Saturday, October 19, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The DDA is inviting residents to sit down with a stranger and “read a chapter of their life” to gain better understanding and engage in meaningful conversation with volunteers willing to share their personal connections on a variety of topics.
What is The Human Library®?
The DDA, Mandel Public Library, and West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District joined forces to ensure West Palm Beach would be the latest city to partner with the Human Library® Organisation – a registered international not-for-profit based in Copenhagen, Denmark, that curates a “library of people” who volunteer to speak to their experiences and insights on difficult topics with local residents in cities all over the world.
According to organizers, every “human book” from their bookshelf represents a group in society that is often subjected to prejudice, stigmatization or discrimination. Through the Human Library®, participants are “on loan” to host conversations in a safe space where topics subject to taboo, marginalization, or stigmatization can be openly addressed without condemnation.
“For nearly 130 years and through various iterations, the Mandel Public Library has been a cornerstone of learning and inspiration expanding the minds and hearts of those in our community,” said Teneka James-Feaman, DDA Executive Director. “Bringing the Human Library® to Downtown West Palm Beach is a unique extension of that objective, as local figures offer to tell their stories and facilitate public dialogue on issues of great importance to the people of our city.”
Registering for West Palm Beach’s Collection of Human Books
While residents will not need a library card or have to worry about late return fees, they will need to register to borrow one of these human books from West Palm Beach’s Human Library® catalog of topics. Each reading lasts no more than 30 minutes and can accommodate up to seven (7) readers at a time.
“The Human Library’s® slogan is to UNjudge someone in the hopes of turning the page on prejudice,” said James-Freeman. “Through this event, we hope people embrace the chance to challenge their assumptions about others so that no one is reduced to a footnote in society.”
For more information or to register for a reading at the Human Library®, visit: DowntownWPB.com/HumanLibrary.
About the Downtown Development Authority
The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities. For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873.
About the Arts & Entertainment District
The West Palm Beach A&E District is a centralized collection of inspiring arts and entertainment venues; art and history museums; galleries; libraries; performing arts companies; and art education institutions. Situated in the heart of South Florida’s most progressive city, the District includes more than 20 distinct and distinguished cultural destinations that form a defining industry cluster. The A&E District enhances the appeal of West Palm Beach as a visitor destination, drawing attention to its status as a vibrant city illuminated by its beauty and range of creative expression. For more information about the A&E District, please visit DowntownWPBArts.com.
About the Human Library Organisation
The Human Library Organisation is a registered international not for profit headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, dedicated to ensuring a global implementation of the Human Library® as a learning platform for diversity and inclusion. The Human Library® is operational on six continents in more than 80 countries hosting events virtually and in libraries, museums, festivals, conferences, schools, universities, and for the private sector. To learn more about the Human Library Organisation, visit: https://humanlibrary.org.