What is a Human Library?
A Human Library is a way for people to reach out and connect with individuals in their community with whom they might not normally interact. Visitors to the library have an opportunity during the event to borrow and engage in conversation with a Human Book. Human Libraries promote tolerance, celebrate differences and encourage understanding of people who come from varied cultural or lifestyle backgrounds.
Beauchamp Branch
Onondaga County Public Library
2111 South Salina Street, Syracuse
Saturday, April 14
1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
SIGN UP HERE to borrow a human book.
Please call Christine at Beauchamp Library for more information. 315-435-3395
This year’s popular selections…
From Rookie to Seasoned Officer
Officer Dennis will share his experiences as a City of Syracuse Police Officer.
OG’s Against Violence
The “Original” OG – Clifford will share his journey of violence on the streets of Syracuse, NY and his involvement with the Syracuse Chapter of OG’s Against Violence.
Passion for Acting
Tammy started her career at age 12 with The Media Unit, a Studio and Theater Production Company, traveling and performing over 60 live stage shows each year. She also was the Technical Director and the host of a public access TV program called “Rough Times Live.” In Tammy’s 10 years with the Media Unit, she worked as an Actress, Choreographer, Dancer, Writer, TV Host and Director. After leaving the Media Unit, she became an independent artist, performing in productions such as “Dreamgirls”, a musical at The Redhouse Arts Center. Tammy is an award winning actress and writer. She also is the founder and CEO of Visionary Minds, a Publicity and Entertainment Media Production company.
Giving Back
From Homeless to Business Owner. When Tim was growing up on the South Side of Syracuse, he always had a passion for fitness and giving back to his community. His dreams are now a reality. He is the owner of “Southside Fitness”, a low cost gym, which happens to be in the same shopping plaza where he spent many nights sleeping outside as a teenager. Tim’s mother passed away when he was eleven. Every morning at 4am, he travelled 20 minutes to Nesci Produce’s truck terminal to unload produce for 2 hours before he had to catch the bus for an hour long ride to school. “If you work hard enough, anything can happen,” he said. “I’m a product of that. I can see something tangible from my hard work.”
Total Fitness…Mind, Body and Soul
Yavron, who goes by YL, is an immigrant from Liberia whose passion in life is to help others. Growing up, his family taught him to “treat others from your heart, not from expectation.” This mantra has stuck with YL and inspired him to help others by starting the company “YL Wright Total Fitness”. He charges clients a small fee to help them with their fitness journey and to educate them on healthier eating habits and overall lifestyle — “all without judgment”.
Defying All Odds
At the young age of 9, Damon, found his mother dead from a drug overdose. Not long after, he dropped out of school and spent the remainder of his childhood in D.C. in and out of juvenile detention. By his 18th birthday, he was addicted to drugs. After moving to Syracuse for a fresh start he sought out counseling and overcame his addiction. Then in 2007 he suffered a massive stroke and brain scans revealed three tumors. This near-death experience has inspired him to share his story of triumph and to encourage others to never give up despite the hand they are dealt.
The Citizen Rising
Local author, Roger, has a passion for teaching others and encouraging them to stand up for their rights. Roger will share his past life experiences which have inspired him to write the book, “The Citizen Rising”.
Syracuse Fashion Model and Teacher
Morgan lives and works in Syracuse, but models in New York City and feels there are many people here with potential to get into the industry as well. Living in Syracuse, he is able to give back to the community by teaching Modeling/Fashion Design at Syracuse University. His students learn many valuable skills such as professionalism, appearance and carrying themselves in any profession.
A Labor of LOVE
Daryl is a community organizer and a great-grandma who lives on the Northside of Syracuse, NY. She works in the not-for-profit world and has helped refugees for many years.
BEING Cristal
My journey from Mexico to Florida, and then to Syracuse, NY. Cristal is a young talented woman with a degree in Anthropology. She works for InterFaith Works in Refugee Resettlement.
Fighting Fires: Women Can Too!
A female firefighter shares what it’s like to work in a predominantly male field.
