I love the idea of the human library, Cathy. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. And the story of the woman hosting dinner gatherings as a way of building greater understanding and empathy rocks! What a powerful and very natural way to learn about different cultures and traditions. So inspiring.
I didn't know about this Library, Cathy. What an awesome concept. Thanks for writing about it and the wonderful people who shared their culture with you. I've spent a great deal of my life in Toronto (most recently lived there for a decade). It's the most culturally diverse place I've ever been and it's kind of impossible to not accumulate friends of almost every conceivable background. It becomes commonplace after a while and I love it. We've since moved to a very homogeneous place and we will not be staying, as lovely as it is. Life is too rich.
I am so happy to know you enjoyed this, Mark. Living in NYC, I totally resonate with your attraction to culturally diverse places. I have lived in homogeneous places, and feel very uncomfortable in them. I love your statement, "Life is too rich." I fully agree!
What an energetic library. People. For some reason this reminded me of the phone at the end of the world. The value in both sides of conversation are tremendous
I was thinking of this—A Wind Phone is a beautifully simple idea: an old-fashioned telephone, often rotary, placed in a quiet space for reflection. Inspired by the original Wind Phone created by Itaru Sasaki in Ōtsuchi, Japan, in 2010, a disconnected phone booth became a place of comfort for thousands following the 2011 tsunami. Wind Phones offer a gentle invitation to pause, remember, and speak from the heart.
Yes - the Wind Phone! I think I may have discovered it on another CBS Sunday Morning segment soon after it was set up. I since read about variations of this and how healing it is. Speaking our truth is so important - even if no one is physically there to hear it.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Cathy. What a beautiful and powerful resource. Have you been following the stories of World Cup “invasions” across American cities?
My daughter and I were in Boston last Saturday and got to see a tiny bit of the “tartan army” from Scotland. They transformed the city with their bright and enthusiastic energy! Many people were saying, “We can’t let them leave!” and “Is this the way we create world peace?!?”
When people get together as people - not countries or political parties or whatever - it usually turns out we all have a great time. It seems to me that this Human Library offers a similar (and much less raucous) opportunity to connect with someone who has a different lived experience from yours. Amazing.
I am all for creating world peace via tartan armies - how can you not love that?!! I am so happy you got to experience a bit of that when you were in Boston!
NYC is still in Knicks fever and that has been dominating everything, including the ticker tape parade (now shredded paper, as an aside) currently making it's way through downtown. Much like tartan armies and human libraries, it is bringing people together in celebration. It's been extraordinary!
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment, Jamie. I always look forward to reading your thoughts on my posts....! 😍
They say “life is a journey.” As Gen Xers, we are the versatile bridge between the analog and digital worlds. Our stories are grounded in reality and have shaped our collective human intelligence. Ultimately, we are a living library of stories built on blood and sweat.
I love your "versatile bridge" analogy, Vince. Both analog and digital have their strengths and capabilities. Thank you for adding this to the conversation here!
What a unique idea, this is amazing. Thank you, Cathy, for the post and for the links. I'm traveling today and will have time this weekend to view them.
thank. you for sharing Cathy, the resources and videos are very informative. I can understand why the image of coming together at a meal is part of the arrangement--my most memorable meetings of new people involve sharing meals together or being in a one to one conversation where there is a safe environment to be open in sharing. The image of people as books in a library adds focus unlearning and understanding. You posts always give me a sense of. hope.
Leslie, saying that my posts always give you a sense of hope is just the most wonderful thing you could possibly say to me - thank you!! 💕
Delicious food and good conversation go hand in hand for me, and sharing both with friends is the best of the best. Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Leslie - I so appreciate it!
What a unique idea, but just what we need to break barriers right now. I'm not a social person so I wouldn't necessarily want to go to a dinner but the idea of sitting with an individual and learning sounds lovely.
You raise such an important point, Sandra. I saw that the Human Library offers virtual experiences. Unfortunately, a virtual dinner would not work as well. There is something in the sharing of food that makes it easier to talk together.
I have an unfortunate post script. I went on the Human Library Wikipedia page earlier today and read that DEI cuts by US organizations have hit them hard. Now I understand why their website has so little current information. I hope they receive an influx of opportunities soon.
Was it funded by USAID? Such is the life of the nonprofit sector — your budget is always fluctuating due to funding sources. I used to be part of it, but then I decided to become a public school teacher.
I love the idea of the human library, Cathy. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. And the story of the woman hosting dinner gatherings as a way of building greater understanding and empathy rocks! What a powerful and very natural way to learn about different cultures and traditions. So inspiring.
I am so happy to know this resonated with you, Robin. I so appreciate your wonderful comment!
I always look forward to your messages, Cathy!
That warms my heart - thank you!!!
I didn't know about this Library, Cathy. What an awesome concept. Thanks for writing about it and the wonderful people who shared their culture with you. I've spent a great deal of my life in Toronto (most recently lived there for a decade). It's the most culturally diverse place I've ever been and it's kind of impossible to not accumulate friends of almost every conceivable background. It becomes commonplace after a while and I love it. We've since moved to a very homogeneous place and we will not be staying, as lovely as it is. Life is too rich.
I am so happy to know you enjoyed this, Mark. Living in NYC, I totally resonate with your attraction to culturally diverse places. I have lived in homogeneous places, and feel very uncomfortable in them. I love your statement, "Life is too rich." I fully agree!
Thank you for your always-thoughtful comment.
My pleasure, Cathy. Thank you for your always thoughtful content!
😊
What an energetic library. People. For some reason this reminded me of the phone at the end of the world. The value in both sides of conversation are tremendous
I was thinking of this—A Wind Phone is a beautifully simple idea: an old-fashioned telephone, often rotary, placed in a quiet space for reflection. Inspired by the original Wind Phone created by Itaru Sasaki in Ōtsuchi, Japan, in 2010, a disconnected phone booth became a place of comfort for thousands following the 2011 tsunami. Wind Phones offer a gentle invitation to pause, remember, and speak from the heart.
Yes - the Wind Phone! I think I may have discovered it on another CBS Sunday Morning segment soon after it was set up. I since read about variations of this and how healing it is. Speaking our truth is so important - even if no one is physically there to hear it.
Thank you so much for the additional information!
It is full of life, isn't it? I don't know about the phone at the end of the world. If you have a moment, I'd love to hear more.
Thank you for your always wonderful comment!
Thank you so much for sharing this, Cathy. What a beautiful and powerful resource. Have you been following the stories of World Cup “invasions” across American cities?
My daughter and I were in Boston last Saturday and got to see a tiny bit of the “tartan army” from Scotland. They transformed the city with their bright and enthusiastic energy! Many people were saying, “We can’t let them leave!” and “Is this the way we create world peace?!?”
When people get together as people - not countries or political parties or whatever - it usually turns out we all have a great time. It seems to me that this Human Library offers a similar (and much less raucous) opportunity to connect with someone who has a different lived experience from yours. Amazing.
Thanks again for sharing. xo
I am all for creating world peace via tartan armies - how can you not love that?!! I am so happy you got to experience a bit of that when you were in Boston!
NYC is still in Knicks fever and that has been dominating everything, including the ticker tape parade (now shredded paper, as an aside) currently making it's way through downtown. Much like tartan armies and human libraries, it is bringing people together in celebration. It's been extraordinary!
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment, Jamie. I always look forward to reading your thoughts on my posts....! 😍
They say “life is a journey.” As Gen Xers, we are the versatile bridge between the analog and digital worlds. Our stories are grounded in reality and have shaped our collective human intelligence. Ultimately, we are a living library of stories built on blood and sweat.
I love your "versatile bridge" analogy, Vince. Both analog and digital have their strengths and capabilities. Thank you for adding this to the conversation here!
I truly think that Gen X is the most versatile generation of all - highly underrated. And yes I am a Gen X 😅 rooting for myself unapologetically.
Ha! Thank you for the laugh, Vince! I believe that each generation has its own strengths. I love the idea of rooting for and celebrating each of them.
This is very interesting, Cathy! I had not heard of this either until reading your piece!! xx
Thank you, Rhaine - I am so happy to know you found it interesting! 💕
What a unique idea, this is amazing. Thank you, Cathy, for the post and for the links. I'm traveling today and will have time this weekend to view them.
I am so happy to know you agree, Paulette! Wishing you wonderful travels!! 😍
Aww…thank you, Cathy.
thank. you for sharing Cathy, the resources and videos are very informative. I can understand why the image of coming together at a meal is part of the arrangement--my most memorable meetings of new people involve sharing meals together or being in a one to one conversation where there is a safe environment to be open in sharing. The image of people as books in a library adds focus unlearning and understanding. You posts always give me a sense of. hope.
Leslie, saying that my posts always give you a sense of hope is just the most wonderful thing you could possibly say to me - thank you!! 💕
Delicious food and good conversation go hand in hand for me, and sharing both with friends is the best of the best. Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Leslie - I so appreciate it!
What a unique idea, but just what we need to break barriers right now. I'm not a social person so I wouldn't necessarily want to go to a dinner but the idea of sitting with an individual and learning sounds lovely.
You raise such an important point, Sandra. I saw that the Human Library offers virtual experiences. Unfortunately, a virtual dinner would not work as well. There is something in the sharing of food that makes it easier to talk together.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment!
I love your way of relating to people, Cathy. And The Human Library sounds marvelous.
Thank you, Moorea - I loved reading your comment!
I have an unfortunate post script. I went on the Human Library Wikipedia page earlier today and read that DEI cuts by US organizations have hit them hard. Now I understand why their website has so little current information. I hope they receive an influx of opportunities soon.
Was it funded by USAID? Such is the life of the nonprofit sector — your budget is always fluctuating due to funding sources. I used to be part of it, but then I decided to become a public school teacher.
USAID was not mentioned. My impression is that the move away from DEI initiatives is the cause - especially is the US.
The upside is that we used to be funding it, though, which is something to be proud of.
Yes, and I am hopeful DEI initiatives will return. 🤞💕
This administration’s budget cuts have been harsh. 🤬
Totally agree!!