Volunteers are fighting thoughtless stereotypes by becoming one of Hammersmith & Fulham’s ‘human books’ – and you can help by becoming one of the tomes yourself.
H&F’s Human Library, run by H&F Volunteer Centre in King Street, Hammersmith, is looking for people to join its ranks. The public will then be able to choose a human book who will answer questions about their life. It’s all to help people discover that we have a lot more in common than we might think.
“I think it’s so important that we create a better understanding among each other, especially now because of the climate we’re in after Brexit,” said Anne-Marie Ruddock of H&F Volunteer Centre.
“I think this will be a great way to reach out to each other and bridge the division that has been created. The Unity Day H&F Council ran last month really brought the community together and like that, this will help us create a better understanding of each other.”
The global Human Library scheme was first founded in Denmark in 2000 to help tackle violent hate crime. It is now active in 60 countries and H&F’s branch will begin in September – although it first needs volunteers to sign up as human books.
The project is hoping to recruit people from a wide range of social groups including refugees, gay people, Disabled people, religious people, homeless people, autistic people and anyone else who could be discriminated against for any reason.
The first event will be held on Wednesday 28 September from 11am to 2pm with more events held over the following nine months.
Volunteers can take part in just one session or several. Training and travel expenses will be provided.
To volunteer or find out more call Ann-Marie on 020 8741 9876 or email her at ann-marie@hfvc.org.uk
Discover more about the Human Library project.
