Sneak peak into Norwich's long-running Human Library

Flipping the idea of not talking in a library on its head, the Human Library encourages discussions between people of a marginalised group or experience and those wishing to challenge their perceptions or biases of that subject.

A Human Library event at Norwich Arts Centre (Image: Supplied by Katy Jon Went)

It invites 'readers' - attendees to its events - to take out a 'book' - or person of a diverse experience - for a half-hour session to break down prejudices and change their biases, so to not judge a book by its cover.

The Human Library was established in 2000 and has been a staple in Norwich for 14 years.

Katy Jon Went, 56, attended Norwich's inaugural Human Library at the Forum as a 'reader' and is now coordinator of the Human Library in the UK, as well as a part of the initiative's online delivery globally and head of methodology, acting as a 'book' more than 1,000 times in events around the world.

Katy Jon Went pictured for WOW - Women of the World Norwich - in 2018 (Image: Norwich Arts Centre)

The event was held on Sunday and she said: "The Human Library continues to make Norwich a safer place for everyone.

"There is always a range of 'books' available. There's no specific ideology or mission, it's simply an open platform for dialogue and engagement with people whose lives are different to your own.

Human Library book Katy Jon Went at Heineken Leadership Development day, London (Image: Supplied by Katy Jon Went)

"'Books' voluntarily consent to not take offence, so you can ask them questions without fear of saying the wrong thing.

"It's about conversation culture, not cancel culture.

"It's what makes the Human Library unique.

The big board at a Human Library event, which shows the 'books' available to 'readers' and explains how the scheme works (Image: Supplied by Katy Jon Went)

"It's not anyone preaching at you, it's about real stories and how you navigate the world.

"And that's also through the curiosity and courage of the 'reader'."

Katy said all are welcome to Human Library events, and remarked how in her experience there have been few instances of aggression - all then turned around by opening up conversations.

'Readers' having a discussion with a 'book' at a Human Library event (Image: Supplied by Katy Jon Went)

"I'm proud to be part of people's journeys, whatever journey they're on," she added.

"It provides a safer place to go beyond first impression, someone you may have been nervous about engaging with normally."

Attendees at a Human Library event at Norwich Arts Centre (Image: Supplied by Katy Jon Went)

Future Human Library events in Norwich will be held on February 19, March 19 and April 16 at Norwich Arts Centre.