More than just stories between pages, the Human Libraries Project is about bringing people together through experience, discussion, and inclusion.

Human Libraries encourage people not to judge a book by its cover – the book being a human with individual experiences, rather than a paperback edition text.

Since the early 2000s, the ideas of becoming a “human book” or a “reader” have been circulating globally, through various organizations, and continue to grow.

In 2013, Amnesty International Czech Republic implemented this format, aligning with the belief in universal human rights, while actively working to combat discrimination and prejudice. Since then, thousands of human books have been invited to share their experiences in open conversations tackling racism, extremism, and xenophobia.

“86% of children who experience Human Libraries consider themselves to be more empathetic towards others, as conversation deepens and more difficult questions arise,” states Natálie Ficencová, Coordinator of Human Libraries Amnesty International Czech Republic. “Human Libraries aim to improve empathy and understanding of human rights within society.”

Just like turning a page from one chapter to the next, discovery is endless. As conversations deepen, comfort increases between participants and their curiosity. Human books come from many backgrounds, where everyone is safe and welcome.

Participants include members of the LGBTQI+ community, people experiencing homelessness, minority groups, refugees, and individuals who are disabled or neurodivergent. “Every year, new stories come in, from people beginning to embrace their heritage, to people coming forward to collect materials for refugees,” observes Natálie.

Alongside human libraries, schools regularly book human rights workshops, providing a wider range of conversation and education, and are seen as tools where children can communicate with someone who’s been affected by specific opinions or ideas.

In 2025, around 30 libraries were organized, attracting over 1,000 attendees, with participation continuing to grow each year. The true impact lies not just beyond the number of participants, but within the shift in attitudes and perspectives that can be implemented into daily life.

Many of the attendees fall within the age range of 13-19, formative years in figuring out personal beliefs and values. Participation in a safe, pressure-free environment allows for thoughts to be challenged and explored.

To assess positive long-term impact, Human Libraries revisit schools after about half a year. Follow-up interviews show that 81% of students said they have learned more about minorities living in the Czech Republic, with only 2% left questioning whether everyone deserves human rights.

Impact extends beyond the classroom, as many students leave personal notes for the human books and are inspired to become part of meaningful change, as human books themselves.

Human Libraries host events year-round and is especially known for its appearance at Prague Pride, as well as offering educational programs to other companies and organizations for adults. This open dialogue style creates a sense of mutual connection and openness among students and others they might not have interacted with otherwise.

“Starting as a human book myself, I have been able to see and experience the change this project has made firsthand,” states Natálie. “Even as the years go on, the impact still stands, through continuous stories and questions.” In an ever-growing city such as Prague, the Human Libraries Project showcases how curiosity and understanding can turn into something greater — one conversation at a time.

For those willing to open their stories to others, the next page may be theirs to write as a human book — a new chapter that can begin with Amnesty International Czech Republic.

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