Book of the Month: July

We all have a story to tell. All over the world our amazing and brave books help challenge stereotypes and prejudice, by sharing their personal stories. We want to celebrate these incredible individuals and with our Book of the Month series we bring the spotlight on them. You as a reader gain an exclusive insight into one of our books, and get to know their story and work with the Human Library.

The Book of the Month for July is 61 year old, Steven Lawlor-Jones, from Windham, New Hampshire. Besides being a book at the Human Library, Steven works as an actor, model, artist and LGBT+ activist. His engagement in LGBT+ issues, is also a theme for his role as a book at the Human Library – were he is published with the title “15 minutes with Kurt’s Husband”. He has been a part of the Human Library since 2014, and have been published at Goffstown Public Library, University of New Hampshire, Manchester, once for Southern New Hampshire University, and once for Merrimack public library.

His title is a funny take on bringing focus on LGBT+ issues, by letting the readers gain insight into his own marriage – and pointing out, that his lifestyle is not different from most peoples:

“I became a book to educate people on the struggles of the LGBT community and to show them that our marriage is as boring and mundane as theirs. That we have the same issues of work, household chores, cars and daily bills.”

Just as life is in constant change, so is Stevens story as a living book. New chapters are added and although the same theme – LGBT+ rights and his life – is ongoing, his focus has changed when talking with his readers:

“My title stayed the same, while the focus of my chapters changed to encourage optimism, which is so badly needed in our current climate. Along my journey, i learned that i could do what i dreamed of as a child, which was to be a film actor and model. At the age of 54 i dove headlong into my dreams and i have been busy ever since. I am now a nominated and award winning actor, i am in magazine and photos that have been seen worldwide, all while i work a fulltime job in a warehouse for Life is Good.”

Believing in yourself

His engagement as a Human Book, has helped Steven become more self aware and believe that his goals and dreams are within his reach. He wants to share this with his readers and want them to know, that no matter who you are – you are valuable and you are capable of reaching your aspirations in life:

“Being a book has helped me believe in myself and gave me the ability to share that confidence and support, so that readers can go for their goals and dreams.”

Steven explains that the two most important aspects of being part of the Human Library is the readers, and the other human books. He sees himself as blessed for having meet so many brave and inspiring human books, at every Human Library event. But especially the dialogue with the readers is a huge motivation for Steven:

“The readers have been a light on my path, they are curious, questioning and thirsty for knowledge.”

With his experience in activism, art, theater and as a human book, Steven knows what it means to fight for what you believe in – and for your dreams! And he has but a single advice to readers, all over the world:

“My best advice to my readers is, believe in you and others will also. “

Make sure to look out for Steven – and his inspirational take on life – in the media and online. And make sure to follow our facebook page, to get information on upcoming events in your local area – this way you can get to meet our fascinating and brave human books, and help challenge stereotypes and stigmatization, through their authentic and meaningful stories.

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Malii a Bestseller from the Human Library Book Depot in Chicago

The most central aspect of the Human Library, is without a doubt the books. The people who volunteer to center themselves and answer personal questions, for the sake of breaking judgements and prejudices—and create greater diversity and understanding worldwide. The Book of the month series will focus on one of our many exceptional bestseller from around the world, and allow for a brief view into their experience as a part of the Human Library.

The first book of the month, is 37 year old Malii, a Chicago born native. Malii has been with the Chicago Human Library since 2016, and have participated in events 4-5 times. Malii carries not just one but has decided to offer two topics from the Human Library’s bookshelf: Baha’i and Black U.S. American . One of the most asked question from readers, regarding the title as Baha’i, is simply: what is Baha’i? But when it comes to the title as a black U.S. American:

”I can’t put a finger on a common question. It’s my sense that people think they know the basics about my Black identity, and conversation for this title starts at a more complex level of questioning.”

Whenever readers are asking Malii to summarize her message, then it falls on two very clear pieces of advice:

“First, give yourself some time to reflect on the conversation some point soon after it takes place. And, then consider to encourage friends to attend as readers or volunteer to be published.”

Malii first became a volunteer, and later—a book, at the Human Library, after experiencing the organization at an actual book fair in Chicago.

“It was a very cold day at an outdoor venue, and I sat and talked with a few books and treated the volunteers to hot chocolates and coffee before leaving. I wanted to join a group that demonstrated the kind of authenticity, candor and dedication in promoting conversations that matter between neighbors.”

Malii’s motivation for volunteering at the Human Library remains the same—even after 2 years. “the Human Library treats its volunteers well!”

Although Malii finds it hard to top her initial excitement, about first encountering and learning about the organization. She feels that every single experience as part of the Human Library, has given something of value:

“Every volunteer event offers me fun, meaning and food for thought.”

Besides her own experiences with the organization and the readers, Malii also has some sound thoughts about the Human Library as a whole:

“Beyond a make-sense and feel-good mission, the Human Library makes it easy for the public to take a moment and contribute positively to understanding among society- for their own sake and others.”

To Malii the dialogue and reflection that the Human Library can contribute to the society, is of great value. She also points out, that her personal gain from being part of the Human Library, also is of great value:

“My Faith teaches me to build a world in which we all develop ourselves and one another spiritually. I think both being a part of the Human Library and reading books from the Human Library contributes to this more profound endeavor. It’s an exercise in self-knowing and understanding that there really are no “others.”

To find out more about Malii’s topics, visit: www.Bahai.us or meet her – and many other exciting books – at one of the Human Library’s many events! Visit Facebook for more information: facebook page and Human Library Chicago

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