FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
While the Human Library® is a worldwide movement for social change, it would not be possible for us to bring this safe space for dialogue to FAU without interest from readers like you and for this reason, we would like to thank you for visiting this page. In effort to follow the university's lead in their proactive measures to minimize the health and safety risks of respective communities, the Human Library event we have traditionally held in the Wimberly Library, will be held virtually in Spring 2021. This event will not be recorded and screen recording is strictly prohibited. Should you wish to hear the stories of our human books, you will need to register to attend live.
If you are unfamiliar with Human Library, please click here to learn more about this event and its history at FAU Libraries.
How it works virtually
Review the book titles and descriptions listed below. Click the registration link for the book you are interested in to request a reservation in that book's Zoom meeting room. You may only register for 1 book during each session. We encourage you to attend both sessions to give yourself an opportunity to hear 2 stories, but it is not required. Seating in each meeting room will be limited in effort to offer time for readers to ask questions and engage with the human book. Once your registration is approved, you will receive an email with instructions on how to join the Zoom. Should you have any questions about this process, please email us at libevents@fau.edu.
Session 1 | TuESDAY, MARCH 23 AT 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Click on each of the book titles below to read a preview of the story and access the link to register to attend.
- Book 1: Growing Up Jamerican
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*As of March 18th, Book 1's Zoom room is at maximum capacity. Please check out another book.
Being black in America is one thing, but what about when foreign culture dictates how you behave, set goals and survive in America. This book said, "walking the tight rope of being "black" and not "black enough" all while trying to code-switch in society makes for an interesting experience."
- Book 2: Mixed & Discriminated
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*As of March 22nd, Book 2's Zoom room is at maximum capacity. Please check out another book.
One of this book’s earliest memories was noticing the difference of his skin complexion compared to the rest of his family. Not only was he the odd person out in my family, racially speaking, but also the odd person out in his neighborhoods and schools. Throughout his life, he was often bullied verbally and non-verbally, violently and non-violently for his mixed skin tone. He didn’t belong to the Caucasians because he was too pale. He also did not belong to the Hispanics because he was again too white. His story is about learning to love himself and others despite their race, backgrounds or religious beliefs. - Book 3: My Life with a Disability - Not as Different as You Might Think
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Click here to register for book 3
Two years ago this book was told that she would be oxygen dependent for the rest of her life due to an incurable lung condition. She was initially concerned about what she would no longer be able to do but that evolved into a focus on what she could do. People often judge her and few people actually understand her. The coronavirus is a huge threat for her and because of that there are new issues to overcome - isolation and how to stay safe in a community where not everyone understands that their choices for themselves could be lethal for her.
Session 2 | TUESDAY, MARCH 23 AT 12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
Click on each of the book titles below to read a preview of the story and access the link to register to attend.
- Book 4: Mental Health Warrior
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*As of March 18th, Book 4's Zoom room is at maximum capacity. Please check out another book.
From talking to strangers, substance abuse, and self-harm, this book never thought she would make it through high school, let alone be enrolled in college today. After multiple suicide attempts, this book wants to talk about the stigma behind mental health. While she still battles depression, she is here to share her story of how it truly does get better. Register today, to hear this woman’s story of struggle and hope. - Book 5: A Diary of a Black Gay Man
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Click here to register for book 5
One man’s story of trying to navigate how to be a gay, black man at FAU. After coming out as gay, he joined a predominately white fraternity, which led to a unique experience. He has found that he is often reduced to just a stereotype or a token. Over the past couple of years, he has had to face macroaggressions from so-called “friends” as well as combat the feeling of not being “black enough.” Click the link above to register to hear more about how this book has had to fight judgement while trying to find his place at FAU.
- Book 6: My Fight, Your Fight
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*As of March 22nd, Book 6's Zoom room is at maximum capacity. Please check out another book.
At age 25, this book was recruited to visit and train at the best MMA gym in the world, American Top Team in Coconut Creek. It was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. Despite her fear, doubt, and the $100 in her bank account, she moved to South Florida with one goal in mind. She faced countless struggles but continue to persevere. This book wants to share her story to show people that no matter what age you are, how much money you have, where you come from; you can follow and accomplish your dreams. She also wants to show people that despite being a tiny & feminine woman, she is mentally and physically strong, and she is not defined by the way she looks.
