Check Out a Human Book Online

Sedona Public Library is pleased to collaborate with the Sedona International City of Peace and Rotary Club of Sedona for the fourth Sedona Human Library™ event, on Sunday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  This is a free, public event—and this year it will be held online.
 
Mark your calendars for this worldwide movement for social change, which offers the opportunity to listen to amazing stories told by 26 courageous “human books.” You will have an opportunity to “read” their stories live on Zoom and ask questions to promote understanding and connection.
 
The event is part of the Human Library project (www.humanlibrary.org), an international effort that is now local. This movement has the potential to alter our hearts and minds as to how we regard those in our community who struggle with all kinds of societal judgments and stigmas.
 
During the Human Library event, you’ll have the opportunity to select human books, listen to their short presentations, and engage in dialogue with them to gain understanding. Expand your awareness of the limitations you may have set for yourself. Take this opportunity to connect with people in our community in a whole new and understanding way.
 
Human books that will be available include the following titles:
 
From Cocaine to Cuisine--Caught up in cocaine addiction, this New Yorker moved to Arizona and vowed to put all that behind him. Has it been easy? Hardly. But he now has his own salad/sandwich business and feels he is living the American Dream.
 
Gay and Christian—Born into a family of ministers, this man was encouraged to follow the teachings of his religion. He married and had a family, but one day realized this was not the life he was meant to lead. He came out as a gay man to his family and church and was shunned and shamed. His amazing story tells of his journey to discover and proclaim his true self and to renew his faith.
 
Transcending the Trauma of Paralysis—Paralyzed from the waist down at age 17, thirty years later this successful business woman has traveled the world and contributed to her community. Hear about how she overcame the challenges of societal, geographical, and architectural barriers.
 
Wealthy and Abused—This woman grew up with a trust fund to provide for her, but was beaten as a child, robbed, cheated on, and lied to. Her compelling story describes how she not only survived abuse, but eventually thrived as an artist. 
Inter-Tribal Discrimination—This man experienced a rude awakening of being laughed at, picked on, and called names by children of other tribes. A fascinating story about a type of bullying/discrimination not often heard. 
 
Save the date: Sunday, September 20.  Complete registration and selection instructions will be provided after September 1 on the Sedona International City of Peace Facebook page. For more information on the event or registration, contact Suzanne Miller at 52peonies@gmail.com.

Sedona Public Library
Column for August 28, 2020
Written by Virginia Volkman, Library Director

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