Now You Can Borrow A Human From The Katonah Village Library

KATONAH, NY — Never has the adage "you can't judge a book by its cover" been more apt than when the Katonah Village Library embarks on a unique opportunity to share the human experience with someone whose life looks very different and, in so many ways, very much the same as your own.

The Katonah Village Library is offering patrons the chance to borrow a "human book" this Sunday, from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

The library says that the Human Library was "designed to create a positive platform where people from different backgrounds can come together to ask questions, share stories about diverse life experiences, and have one-on-one conversations that challenge stereotypes, prejudices and preconceived ideas."

The Human Library Organization is a not-for-profit organization that was founded in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2000. It was originally a project for the Roskilde Festival developed by Ronni and Dany Abergel, Asma Mouna and Christopher Erichsen. The original event was eight hours a day for four days straight and featured more than 50 "titles" people could check out to challenge stereotypes. The organization currently has partners in more than 70 countries worldwide.

Patrons of the Katonah Village Library will have the chance to check out real people with diverse experiences and stories to share. The library encourages people to come discuss experiences and perspectives in a safe environment with others in the community.

To register for a 20-minute in-person session with a "Human Book," call the library at 914-232-3508. Walk-in option may be possible, depending on which "book titles" you are interested in. You may check out up to two "books."

The "book titles" available will be:

• From Undocumented Immigrant to Elected Official: An American Story
• Parent of a Transgendered Child
• Preachin' Black Woman
• Former Member of Girl Gang in Spanish Harlem Turned Nun, now 86 years young bereavement minister, still evolving & dancing
• African American Composer, Musician and Mother
• Vietnam Veteran with PTSD

The times available on Sunday, August 14 are:

• 2 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.
• 2:30 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.
• 3 p.m. - 3:20 p.m.
• 3:30 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
• 4 p.m. - 4:20 p.m.
• 4:30 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.