Public Affairs

The Office of Student Life, Division of Student Affairs at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) hosted its first human library event. The concept of the event derives from borrowing a book from the library whereby you can “check out” a human book for a conversation. The event was attended by 131 students, and included four different ‘human’ books. 

AUK’s Human Library seeks to engage the AUK community in civic conversation by providing an opportunity for people to connect one-on-one and share life experiences. “This event challenges prejudice and encourages empathy with the power of personal stories,” said Fay Al-Humoud, senior coordinator at the Office of Student Life and the curator of the Human Library. Held virtually, each book had its own breakout room. The books in the event were by two students titled “The Half Full” and “The Poet and Arthur” and by two staff members from the Office of Student Life titled “Art in the streets” and “From Hobby to a Career”. 

Inspired by the worldwide ‘Human Library’ movement that started in Denmark in 2000, readers show up online and chose a book to discuss. “The ‘human library’ concept helps us to understand obstacles and struggles others face, and form a better understanding of those with whom we share our communities,” said Shirley Sullivan, director of the Office of Student Life. “It teaches us to recognize that we can all learn from better understanding those around us.” 

Commenting on the Human Library event, Dr. Hanan Muzaffar, vice president for student affairs said, “We are proud of the new events and creative initiatives we launch at AUK, and of our students for participating and taking part in the growth of our community via our holistic student engagement programs and various events. The Human Library event reflects our institution’s awareness on a local and global level, as well as the interest of our students in such powerful experiences. We look forward to many more enriching endeavors and activities at AUK.”