Posted: February 28, 2024Written by: Ritchie Bermudez

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Cuesta College, in partnership with the Cuesta College Library, Cuesta College Student Health Services, and San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health, proudly announces the debut of The Human Library® on its San Luis Obispo campus. The Human Library® started in Denmark over 20 years ago and has grown to be a global movement to challenge stereotypes and prejudices through meaningful dialogue in a safe and inclusive environment.

“The Human Library® project creates an opportunity for helpful dialogues around stigmatized topics like mental health and substance use disorders,” said Annie Jankovitz, SLO Behavioral Health Specialist. “Through the sharing of personal stories, we offer people the opportunity to question prejudice and implicit bias around previously held beliefs. We are excited to be partnering with Cuesta College to bring this unique event to our community.”

The free event will be held at the Charles & Leeta Dovica Learning Resource Center & Library (Building 3200) on the SLO campus on Wednesday, Mar. 6, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., featuring 30-minute conversation sessions. Attendees are welcome to participate in one or multiple conversations throughout the day.

Participants can engage in conversations with “Human Books,” including individuals with diverse experiences ranging from adopting a plant-based diet to surviving PTSD from a childhood accident, navigating intersex identity, overcoming incarceration, managing traumatic brain injuries, leading as a female pastor, transitioning from gang life, experiences in foster care, exploring gender identity, coping with parental suicide, perspectives from a Latinx lawyer, and narratives of a Central American refugee.

“We are delighted to be hosting our inaugural Human Library® event at Cuesta College and extending this enriching experience to our entire SLO County community,” said Denise Fourie, Cuesta College Instructor and Reference Librarian. “This event presents a unique opportunity to challenge preconceptions and cultivate a culture of empathy and understanding within our community.”

For further details regarding The Human Library® event at Cuesta College, please reach out to Denise Fourie at dfourie@cuesta.edu, Laurie Buchholz at laurie_buchholz@cuesta.edu, or Nicole Johnson at nicole_johnson7@cuesta.edu.