A global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of branded home improvement and building products is helping the Human Library develop an app for interactive equality and diversity experiences

Imagine logging on to an online library service full of real people that have volunteered to go on a “loan” with you as their “reader” and talk about important issues. You can “borrow” a transgender person and learn about their transition or a refugee from Syria or a person with a mental health history and ask anything about their topic. You can browse a world of diversity, engage with people from around the world and perhaps unjudge someone as you realize your own unconscious bias.

One step closer

The pandemic has brought about many challenges, but also forced us to find new ways to develop our work and achieve our goals. The Human Library has long dreamed of creating a safe space online where our readers can explore, learn and perhaps unjudge someone. That dream is now one step closer to becoming a reality as Masco Corporation has become a founding partner of the Human Library Online, an app that will host conversations about diversity.

To adapt to COVID-19, Masco was one of the first Human Library diversity partners to offer virtual sessions for its employees. With a strong belief that diverse perspectives and an inclusive workplace make them stronger and can deliver better possibilities, Masco planned sessions for employees at Behr® paint and Liberty® hardware, with the option for employees across their entire family of companies to join. 575 employees across Masco became readers of the Human Library from home in 2020; an additional 1,200 employees are slated to attend online sessions this year.

Masco the first contributor

Masco President and CEO Keith Allman was among the first to engage and has since continued to “read” more Human Library Books. “My personal takeaway is that we all have common ground to connect on. We are surrounded by so many incredible stories with people overcoming adversity every single day. Expanding this learning experience to its full potential creates more access to conversations that help us better understand these important issues. The sooner we can do that, the sooner we can create a more inclusive environment in our organizations and communities.”

The Human Library app is a further development of the success and experiences gained from last year’s online work and allows the Human Library to unite our human resources from local book depots all over the world.

“Before Covid-19 you needed to be on location at the local library, university, or festival to become a reader, or maybe you could access it through work. With our own app and human books in more than 80 countries, we can connect more people with information. Creating a safe space to explore diversity will help us better understand each other, while scaling up by reaching more readers for an even greater impact,” says Ronni Abergel, founder of the Human Library.

About Masco

Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, Masco Corporation is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of branded home improvement and building products. Their portfolio of industry-leading brands includes Behr® paint; Delta® and Hansgrohe® faucets, bath and shower fixtures; Kichler® decorative and outdoor lighting; and HotSpring® spas. For more information about Masco Corporation, visit www.masco.com.

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