The Arthur A. Wishart Library at Algoma University was recently transformed into a living library unlike any other. In an atmosphere filled with courage, compassion, and hope, students, staff, faculty, Elders, and Residential School Survivors gathered for a profoundly emotional Human Library: Unjudge Someone, an inaugural event that brought stories to life through raw, honest conversation.
The Human Library is a global movement designed to challenge stigma and foster understanding through dialogue. But at Algoma University, a place built on the former site of the Shingwauk Indian Residential School, the experience carried a weight and resonance that was uniquely powerful.
Each "book" was a human being: someone who volunteered to share their lived experience, often profoundly personal, sometimes painful, but always meaningful. Participants, "readers", sat with these "books," listening intently and engaging with compassion and open hearts. What unfolded were not just stories, but moments of transformation.
"The Human Library connects folks with history, with identity, and with our shared humanity," shared Megan Jones-McLeod, event coordinator and Library Access Services Coordinator at Algoma University. "This event gave us the chance to sit across from each other and simply be human. In a place marked by painful history, we witnessed grace, strength, and mutual respect. This is the kind of connection that education should strive for."
Hosted as part of Algoma University's ongoing commitment to truth, reconciliation, and experiential learning, the Human Library served as a living testament to the power of empathy and the importance of bearing witness. Folks who bravely shared their story helped bridge generations and break down barriers, creating powerful spaces for listening, learning, and connection.
"My experience being a Human Book was quite the adventure," shared Elder, Shingwauk Survivor and friend Dolly (Sharon) Syrette. "I love talking to people and informing them that what I'm saying is the true history of Canada, even though it was very tragic. I couldn't believe that in this day and age, there are still a lot of people who don't know about the Indian Residential School System. We, as Survivors, shall never stop speaking about it and righting the wrong that was done to us. No child deserves to go through what we did. It's a healing process for me to speak."
As the University community continues its journey toward collective healing and transformation, the Human Library serves as a powerful reminder: every person has a story. When time is taken to truly listen, bridges can be built that change the world.
Those interested in becoming a "human book" at a future Human Library event or learning more about the inaugural event and the impactful stories that were shared are invited to visit the dedicated website. Details about the next Human Library event at Algoma University will be shared in the coming months.
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"Being a book for the Human Library was a real, overwhelming yet fulfilling experience," shared fourth-year English student and library staff member Emma Tokeniemi. "I had the opportunity to be unjudged through sharing my personal stories and experiences with chronic illness. This for me was such an awarding, once in a lifetime opportunity. I encourage anyone who is thinking about being a book to please get involved."
