The Mortenson Center, in collaboration with the New American Welcome Center, and Illinois International- Global Relations will have a Human Library Event as part of the events featured during 2025 National Welcoming week. The event will feature immigrants and international students living in Champaign-Urbana as human books. Each human “book” will be available during the event to interact with “readers” and talk to them about their native country. Topics covered in the conversations include among others geographic location, cuisine, languages spoken and culture. Snacks, arts & crafts will be offered as part of the event. Open to all ages!
When: Sunday September 21 at 3:30-5:30pm.
Where: Champaign Public Library, 200 W Green St, Champaign, IL 61801
Twelve countries will be featured: Brazil, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Kenya, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Syria, Turkey. . In keeping with the mission of the Mortenson Center, the event aims to introduce the concept of “internationalization @ home to the University of Illinois community and to foster intercultural competency and global understanding as well as welcome newcomers to the community while embracing diversity and fostering a sense of belonging. This event is part of our ongoing work on Project Welcome, a project that was previously funded by IMLS.
This year, as the event coincides with the International Peace Day, we will use it as an opportunity to commemorate the day and our director Prof Clara Chu will share some remarks on what we can do as individuals to promote peace through actions for peace, and highlight our Libraries for Peace Project. We will also be asking attendees to contribute to the discussion on our website on: What is Peace?