Delve into the life story of someone in this unique experience, a global initiative to increase understanding and empathy.
On Sat., April 29 at Central Library, the Human Library comes to Arlington.
At this in-person event developed by the Human Library Organization in Denmark, human "readers" are invited to check out a “human book" for an enlightening conversation. A “human book” speaks to their lived experience as a person who is commonly judged by society for some aspect of their existence.
Our “human books” are volunteers and active members of the Arlington community or the Washington metropolitan area.
“Everyone has a story,” said library director Diane Kresh. “As part of National Library Week, we are thrilled to host this global initiative, the Human Library, that increases understanding of 'others' through open, respectful conversations.”
Attendees, also known as "readers," will be able to borrow "human books" for 30-minute conversations. All human books come with a title and synopsis to help readers select what they would like to "read" (i.e. with whom they would like to converse).
The book will introduce themselves and tell you a little about themselves before you begin to ask questions. If a book you would like to read is not immediately available, you can place a hold for a later timeslot. Readers in a family or small group can check out a book together. All books and checkout periods will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
This event is best for ages 14 and older. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. There is a Code of Conduct and expectations of behavior for participants.
Invited “human books” include: "Blind/Low Vision," "Black Transgender Man," "Tattoo Artist," "Bipolar Disorder," "Anxiety Disorder," "Previously Incarcerated" and "Nonspeaking Autism."
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The Human Library® creates a safe space for dialogue where topics are discussed openly between our human books and their readers. All of our human books are volunteers with personal experience with their topic. The Human Library® is a place where difficult questions are expected, appreciated and answered.
First Woman to Win Both the John Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Book Award
On January 30, the American Library Association (ALA) awarded Arlington-based author Amina Luqman-Dawson the John Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award for her novel “Freewater.”
The Newbery Medal is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of “the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children.” The Coretta Scott King Book Award recognizes an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults.
ALA announced the top books, digital media, videos, and audiobooks for children and young adults—including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Newbery, and Printz awards—at ALA’s 2023 LibLearnX conference in New Orleans.
“We are beyond happy for Amina Luqman-Dawson and her extraordinary achievement,” said Library Director Diane Kresh. “Freewater" is an important story and deserves to be read by every middle school student.”
Set in the Great Dismal Swamp, “Freewater” is a middle-grade novel about a secret community of formerly enslaved people. “Freewater” is published by JIMMY Patterson/Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Luqman-Dawson is the first woman to win both the John Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award.
Several female authors have received the Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award in the same year including Renee Watson for “Piecing Me Together” (2018), Jacqueline Woodson for “Brown Girl Dreaming” (2015), Rita Williams-Garcia for “P.S. Be Eleven” (2014) and “One Crazy Summer” (2011). The Honor books are those that were not the first place of the year but deserve honorable mention.
Angela Johnson won the Coretta Scott King Award and the Printz for “The First Part Last” (2004).
“On the eve of Black History Month, congratulations to our talented Arlington author. Thank you for sharing your voice,” said Kresh.
Local author Amina Luqman-Dawson and Library Director Diane Kresh during a Juneteenth program hosted by Arlington Public Library on June 22, 2022.
Media Contacts
Anneliesa Alprin
Communications Manager
aalprin@arlingtonva.us
703-228-6329 (o) / 703-843-8658 (c)
Henrik Sundqvist
Communications Officer
nsundqvist@arlingtonva.us
703-228-0590 (o) / 571-970-8608 (c)
Annual Reports
Awards
2021
Penguin Random House Library Award for Innovation
2017
Urban Libraries Council Top Innovator Award
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments - Climate and Energy Leadership Award
Virginia Association of Counties Achievement Award
2015
Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Business Award
2012
Sustainable Libraries Award
2011
Outstanding Public Program Award
Outstanding Achievement in Local Government Innovation Award
Arlington Reads brings authors and readers together to talk about the important topics of our time.
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