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We are inviting international students and staff to take part as a “human books” in our Human Library event as part of Durham Global Week.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Unit and the University Library and Collections (ULC) Department will be running the Human Library, which is designed to build a positive interaction and safe space for dialogue between “readers/borrowers” and a “human book”. 

The concept is based on personal conversation rather than a presentation. It will be an interactive learning experience between the reader/borrower and the human book. The Human Library aims to not only challenge prejudice and dismantle stereotypes, but also uplift and encourage readers to learn more about different cultures. 

To provide a better appreciation of our University community’s diverse culture and heritage, we are looking for six human books who:

  • represent our diverse international staff and student community and
  • are willing to speak with other students and staff about their country, culture and heritage, and/or share their experiences as an international student in the UK (for approximately 20-30 minutes). 

The Human Library will run from 27 to 29 February 2024, so potential human books would need to be available to take part during the scheduled times (half day blocks) on these days.

If you are interested to become one of our human books, please complete the online sign up form by 22 January 2024.

Find out more