The Netherlands hosts an unusual concept in its public libraries: visitors can schedule a conversation with a person who volunteers as a “book.” These sessions appear on event calendars across the country and consistently generate interest. Each volunteer represents a topic connected to personal experience, and each conversation gives direct access to a perspective that one would rarely find in a standard library catalog. The format has a simple structure, a clear purpose, and a growing presence in Dutch cultural life.
How The System Works
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Human Library events follow a set process. Visitors browse a catalog, select a topic, and meet with a volunteer for a 20-30 minute conversation. Each topic reflects a lived experience. Volunteers discuss areas such as addiction recovery, disability, religion, gender identity, adoption, or migration.
Events begin with brief orientations that explain boundaries, discussion styles, and general expectations for both sides. Volunteers decide what details to share, and questions can go in both directions. Sessions take place in open spaces inside libraries to maintain a predictable atmosphere.
Since volunteers form the catalog, each edition varies. Dutch organizers collaborate with community networks, NGOs, and student groups to assemble each lineup, and individuals can apply independently.
Groningen hosted an early Dutch edition, and interest spread quickly. Events now appear in Amsterdam, Zwolle, Tilburg, Utrecht, and many other cities. Some libraries schedule recurring sessions several times a year, while others host occasional regional events.
Attendance has remained solid. During pandemic restrictions, digital versions replaced in-person sessions and continued to draw consistent participation. Organizers recorded strong engagement through surveys, and many visitors said they gained new information or a clearer understanding of the topic they selected.
Research And Measured Impact
Dutch evaluations indicate that volunteers and visitors often leave with positive impressions of the experience. Many describe the conversations as informative and more straightforward than they expected.
A 2017 Dutch study tracked participants before and after their conversations and again one month later. Findings showed more positive views toward the groups represented by volunteers and fewer concerns about interacting with them. International studies report similar outcomes.
A European research project followed participants for several months and found that many remembered specific details longer after their sessions. A separate study in Hong Kong tested the model in mental health settings and documented improvements in social inclusion.
Across different countries, the pattern is that structured, direct conversations support better understanding of lived experiences.
The Human Library operates in many countries, and the Dutch network continues to expand through public libraries and community partners. People often discover it during regular library visits and sign up out of curiosity.