Human Books, Real Stories: Creating Space for Empathy at The Human Library in Dublin City University

Abstract

This case study examines two Human Library events that were held in DCU (Dublin City University) in 2024 and 2026. Human Library events are licensed and facilitated by the HLO (Human Library Organisation), who originally created the concept in Copenhagen in 2000. At a Human Library event, volunteers share their experience of prejudice or social stigma with ‘Readers’, or members of the community. These volunteers take part as human ‘Books’ that can be borrowed by Readers for 20-30 minute conversations, where questions are encouraged and pre-existing biases are challenged. The event creates a safe space for open, honest dialogue that breaks down stereotypes and encourages empathy, allowing the Readers and Books to ‘unjudge’ each other. We examine the proceedings in DCU from the perspectives of the organisers or ‘Librarians’, the Books and the Readers.