Update Monday, April 2: The Human Library, as described below, has been rescheduled for Friday, April 20 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Pattee and Paterno libraries. A showcase panel will also be held at 11 a.m. in Foster Auditorium.

Update Tuesday, Feb. 6: The Human Library originally scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 7 has been canceled “out of an abundance of concern for participants’ safety” due to a predicted winter storm. Organizers hope to reschedule the event.

Original story: Penn State will host its second annual “Human Library” event 1-5 p.m. February 7 in the Pattee and Paterno libraries.

Attendees will have the opportunity to “check out” a Penn State student, faculty, or staff member who has volunteered to be a “Human Book.” These human books will tell their stories in hopes of challenging prejudices and previously-held beliefs.

You can “borrow” one of the many “Human Books” and speak with them in 45-minute increments. The discussions will be held in the classrooms throughout the library. Participants are encouraged to ask difficult questions that can evoke meaningful responses.

If you can’t attend the event in the afternoon, a panel will be held earlier that day in Foster Auditorium at 11 a.m. where some of the “Human Books” will speak. The panel will also be streamed online on MediaSite Live for those who cannot attend.

If you’re interested in borrowing a “Human Book,” you can sign up for a session that piques your interest here.