Skip to Main Content

Human Library

This guide provides information, book descriptions, and resources about PPLD's Human Library.

Ask a Librarian

Pikes Peak Library District

Email Me

Contact:

(719) 531-6333 option 3

Photo Gallery

Human Library: Real People, Real Conversations

A library of human beings, the Human Library is a collection of people from all walks of life featuring “human books” available for "checkout." Individuals serve as human “books” and participants can “read” the book by engaging in a conversation with the book on loan.

Readers have the opportunity to have a 20-minute conversation with their book selections.

Our next Human Library program will be held on

Sat., March 7, 2020 from 1-4 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall

22. W. Pikes Peak Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

Parking is located West of the Penrose Library, between the library and Pikes Peak Community College Downtown Campus. Parking is metered and .50/hour.

PPLD Human Library in the News

Never judge a ‘Human Book’ at PPLD by its cover
As a frequent flyer at the Pikes Peak Library District, I know the fastest way to locate good books, but who would have thought you could check out a human book at the library? Just like an autobiography, everybody has a story to tell. Most of the time, we haven’t a clue about others’ stories.
In March 2018, a variety of people will be available for a 20-minute “check out” from PPLD’s “Human Library.” The goal of the Human Library is to encourage dialogue and help people understand perspectives that may differ from their own. To me, that sounds like a great way to spend 20 minutes.
Penrose Library seeks to break down stereotypes, prejudices with 'human library'
"When Cynthia Barram is at a bus stop or out completing an errand, someone will occasionally ask her why she's in a wheelchair.
It doesn't offend her.
She just wishes she has more time to tell them about her life.
On Sunday, the 32-year-old recent graduate of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs didn't have to rush her talk with strangers. For the first time, the Pikes Peak Library District held a Human Library exhibition at the Penrose Library in downtown Colorado Springs. And Barram, who has cerebral palsy, was happy to be one of 13 "human books" available for "checkout" - or a 20-minute conversation...."