International Human Library Plans Stop in Fort Collins On Feb. 26

Everyone out there has a story to tell. From unusual upbringings or living with a disability to having a unique career path, it's cool to celebrate what makes humans different from one another.

That being said, it's easy to judge a book by its cover, and many of us are guilty of doing so on a daily basis. But, a special event making its way to Fort Collins next week, is aimed to break down these types of preconceived notions and prejudices.

The international Human Library program offers community members in Northern Colorado the chance to "borrow" a human book and learn someone's story. The idea is meant to encourage participants to “unjudge” a human book by its cover. Readers will get to engage in conversations, as the human books share unique stories regarding their identity/identities, e.g., Black, gay, body artist, wheelchair user, etc. Many of these people are local volunteers who have been subjected to bias, stereotyping, or intolerance due to their lifestyle, race, beliefs, or disability.

Karen Wong Brown is one of the human books volunteering to tell her tale at the Fort Collins event. Her story begins as a young immigrant, documenting her journey from China and her current struggles and expectations as a minority n the U.S.

As a new addition to Fort Collins' annual Book Fest, the human library is a great way for community members to connect with one another and take a walk in someone else's shoes.

This important one-day event is sponsored by the City of Fort Collins Equity & Inclusion Office, the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, and the Poudre River Public Library District.

The international Human Library program will be at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, February 26. Admission to the Human Library event is free; however, space is limited. Participants should pre-register at fcmod.org/humanlibrary. There will be Spanish language interpretation available as well.

This program contains adult themes.  Youth participants must be accompanied by an adult caregiver at all times.