NEW YORK CITY — The Human Library is marking its first quarter-century by inviting the general public to online sessions for the first time, offering free digital library cards to the first 25,000 people who sign up at humanlibrarycard.com. The initiative aims to expand access to its signature 30-minute conversations with volunteers who share personal knowledge and experiences.
The Human Library, a non-political and non-religious not-for-profit based in New York City, began in Copenhagen, Denmark, and was co-founded 26 years ago by Ronni Abergel. It now operates in more than 80 countries, including six locations in the United States. To register for a free digital card, users must confirm their time zone, choose a screen name, and accept the platform’s rules of engagement. No credit card is required, and donations are optional.
Online sessions will take place in small groups, with participants required to join from a quiet location with stable internet access and their camera turned on. Each conversation lasts 30 minutes, and registered users receive an email reminder with a link to join their scheduled session. The free library cards are supported by the Scan Design Foundation in Seattle and the National Foundation for Danish America.
“The Human Library is giving away 25,000 free library cards to bring communities together through conversations about differences,” the organization stated. Donations to The Human Library, while not required, help support local book depots and broader rollout efforts across U.S. communities.
The Human Library offers these conversations as part of its mission to create space for dialogue and reduce prejudice through personal interaction. Volunteers, referred to as “books,” share their lived experiences on topics that often include identity, health, and social challenges. The online format expands the organization’s reach beyond its physical events, which have historically taken place at libraries, festivals, and educational institutions.