Living Library at UNO Libraries
Individuals with diverse life experiences act as living books, and readers “check out” the living books for 20-30 minutes to learn and ask questions about the living book’s personal experiences; April 7.
- date: 04/07/22
- time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- location: Community Engagement Center • maps
- contact: Claire Staub • 402.554.3122 • cchamley@unomaha.edu
- search keywords:
- living library
- storytelling
- life experience
What is a Living Library?
UNO Libraries Living Library is inspired by The Human Library. The Human Library brings together people who may not have met in different circumstances in order to dismantle prejudices and smash stereotypes. It is an opportunity to have real conversations with real people. Individuals with diverse life experiences act as living books, and readers “check out” the living books for 20-30 minutes to learn and ask questions about the living book’s personal experiences.
Here's a short video about Human Libraries. Visit our UNO Libraries Living Library Guide to find out more about the Living Library at UNO.
How It Works
You must have a reservation to sit down and speak with a Living Book. Up to four people can speak to one Living Book at a time, but only one of you can create the reservation online. Reserve early! If you wait until the day of the event to make a reservation, it's likely you won't get a chance to speak with a Living Book.
- When the reservation system at libcal.unomaha.edu opens you can browse the list of titles and select a Living Book.
- Reserve your Living Book online.
- Come to the Community Engagement Center at least 15 minutes prior to your reservation and check in at the table. We'll escort you to your Living Book's location.
- Have a one-on-one conversation with your Living Book. Conversations can be up to 30 minutes long. Come with questions! As long as you're respectful and genuinely curious, your Living Book understands that sometimes you can't find "the right" words.
Reserve a Book
Reservations will open on March 23, 2022. Use the link on the UNO Libraries Living Library Guide to make your reservation.
This event was made possible in part by members of Leadership Omaha Class 44, a program of the Greater Omaha Chamber, and Humanities Nebraska.
Volunteer to Help
We need volunteers to help make this event a success! Sign up for an hour, or sign up for the entire event!
Book Support Volunteers will partner with our Living Book volunteers for two purposes:
- To make sure they’re comfortable and to be their assistant throughout the event (get water, food, etc.).
- To bring their new readers to them every half hour.
Please consider signing up for all three shifts in order to partner with a single Living Book all evening.
Break Room Monitors will monitor the Living Book volunteer break room and make sure the room is well stocked and welcoming for our Living Books. Check in Table and Living Book Room attendants will check in readers and circulate around the event space to help with any needs that arise.
About the University of Nebraska at Omaha Libraries
UNO Libraries fulfill the UNO mission through dynamic services, highly qualified and adaptive personnel, unique and extensive collections, and accessible learning spaces and environments. With its two locations, Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library on UNO’s Dodge Campus and in KANEKO-UNO Library located in Omaha’s Old Market, UNO Libraries provides UNO students, faculty and staff, and the Omaha community with the resources and materials needed to excel academically and professionally.
About Humanities Nebraska
The Living Library is one of many grants funded by Humanities Nebraska (HN). HN awards more than $257,000 in grants each year.
Created in 1973 as a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, Humanities Nebraska (HN) is an independent, non-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of public and academic members. Humanities Nebraska funds programs that explore Nebraska's heritage, build community awareness, and strengthen our ties to cultural traditions at home and abroad.
The Nebraska Cultural Endowment is a public/private partnership that designates funds to HN for distribution.
Any non-profit group is eligible to apply for a grant from HN. The HN staff is available for grant consultation and will read proposal drafts. Contact the HN office if you need assistance with a project idea.
For a copy of Humanities Nebraska grant guidelines, contact HN at 215 Centennial Mall South, Suite 330, Lincoln, NE 68508, phone 402-474-2131, fax 402- 474-4852, or e-mail. The entire grant guideline packet is online at: www.humanitiesnebraska.org.