Let me tell you about our books.
No, not the usual books. Of course we have 45,000 of those physical page-turners, and 75,000 more in digital format. But the can’t-put-em-down books I’m talking about are in the Human Library book collection, available for checkout on Thursday, April 26 between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
When I say can’t-put-’em-down, I’m playing with language, but I mean it in another sense, too. All 11 of our Human Books that are part of the Nelson Library’s 2018 Human Library are people who have faced stigma, adversity, prejudice, or have a story that will help develop new understandings. They have risen to challenges, overcome obstacles, opened their minds and their hearts, and refused to be put down.
They are, every one of them, interesting, illuminating, and inspiring. Really, everything you want in a book. Here are three:
George was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy in his 20s. The wheelchair that gets him around now hasn’t held him back: he’s raised kids, built his own house, travelled. He survived leukemia, has the upper hand on his bipolar disorder, and experienced homelessness. George founded the Clare Organization Representing Disabilities in Nova Scotia, and with his brother, Transport de Clare, a non-profit transportation service for seniors, persons with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged persons. George’s book title is Disabled Rights Advocate: the Wheelchair is Secondary.
Colourful and multi-faceted, Nichola is skilled in the craft of upholstery and marine canvas, which meant catering to a wealthy clientele. This made for a complex reality: professional practice portraying one persona, while after hours being a working-poor parent. They do not identify as a particular gender, but embrace a more fluid understanding of what it is to be human. They also draw strength and compassion for others from their spiritual practice. Nichola has held many jobs, including serving socially marginalized individuals and people with diverse abilities. Nichola’s book title is Non-Binary World-Bridger: Crossing Social and Gender Lines.
And here’s a “Book” some of you may know—or think you know. The Human Library is all about dispelling assumptions.
Over the nearly 19 years that Donna served on Nelson City Council she encountered negative stereotypes about politicians she finds “most disconcerting at the local level of government. Local politicians work a lot for little money, and they’re our neighbours, just trying to make our community better.” As frustrating as personal attacks on Baker Street and 2 a.m. phone calls about snow removal may have been, it’s the negative attitudes that bother Donna: politicians are only in it for themselves; you can’t trust them; they just want to get re-elected. She says: “As a politician I worked hard to be open- and fair-minded, and it was hurtful to hear personal criticisms. You can disagree with me, but don’t malign me. I’m human, like you.” Donna’s book title is, of course; Politician.
Other titles include: Dyslexia in the Real World; Full Circle: a Journey Through Adoption, Surrender, and Reunion; Homeless to Homeowner (And Everything in Between); How Death Has Changed My Life; Intuitive (And So Are You); Pornography Scholar Bares All; and Queer Anara-Feminist. If some of the titles seem provocative, that’s the point: the Human Library asks you to ask questions, respectfully and with an open mind.
When you arrive at the Human Library on April 26 (doors open at 6:30) you may reserve up to two books for a 25-minute one-on-one conversation (you can check out others if they are free). The books come with ice-breaker questions to help get the conversation started. And if you’re waiting for a book to be available, you can join our “Book Club” and chat with the book: Eyes Wide Open: Street Outreach Practicum Student.
Opening eyes, engaging minds, and inspiring hearts: that’s a Human Library. Hope to see you April 26.
Anne DeGrace is the Adult Services Coordinator at the Nelson Public Library. You can contact her about the Human Library at 505-5684 or adegrace@nelson.ca, and the full list of Human Books can be found at nelsonlibrary.ca. Check This Out runs every other week.