In February, nine “brave” people opened their lives up to questions from forty strangers.

All volunteers, they’d responded to an invitation to participate in Bermuda’s first Human Library as either “books” or “readers”.

The hope was that frank conversations would help “better our understanding of diversity in order to help create more inclusive and cohesive communities across cultural, religious, social and ethnic differences”.

The Human Library has had success around the world since the first took place in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2000.

Joanne Brangman sat on the idea for years until Helen Orchard helped her put it all in place under the auspices of the Bermuda National Library, the Human Rights Commission, WalkTogetherBermuda, the Department of Culture and Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda.

“[It] creates opportunities for dialogue where taboo topics can be discussed openly and without condemnation. A place where people who would otherwise never talk, find room for conversation,” said Ms Brangman, the director of the Bermuda National Library.

“We had two sessions where we explained to people about the Human Library and [tried] to generate some interest in who might be willing to be books. People submitted their names, we interviewed them and then made a selection.”

Twelve people were chosen, all of whom confirmed their “willingness to be open to talk about [their] story”, although only nine were able to be at the Bermuda National Library for the launch on February 23.

“They are people who have experienced prejudice, stereotypes and stigmatism and who are willing to have a conversation and dialogue and share their story from that place,” said Ms Orchard.

“[It is not about them] being labelled as that or being stuck in that situation, but how they've experienced that and how they worked through that.

“It’s about being willing to break down prejudices and break down biases and have really intimate and open conversations; honest conversations about the topic that they have lived.”

Each “reader” was invited to choose three “books” with no more than four people attached to a “book” at any time. The conversations were not recorded.

“The fascinating thing is when you come in as a reader, you only see the titles of the books. You don't know who the people are,” Ms Orchard said. “You have a short bio – about four sentences – and so you just choose by topic.”

African American Immigrant, Atypical Muslim, Black, Feminist, PTSD and Rare Skin Disorder were among the titles offered.

"You think of any topic in humanity and there are books on it,“ Ms Orchard said. ”It’s just a range of who we are as human beings.”

The “books” shared a few minutes of their life story before “readers” peppered them with questions.

“They kind of give little chapter outlines or cliffhangers about things that they've experienced and then it's really directed to the reader,” Ms Orchard said. “The reader is invited to ask questions that they've been curious about with this topic.

“They could be difficult questions or uncomfortable questions but they are questions that they've possibly never been able to ask anybody.”

It’s where the training that each “book” receives from the Human Library organisation in Denmark comes into play.

“The books are trained to be able to answer these difficult questions in the interest of breaking down any prejudice or bias or preconceived notions.

“We all have those judgments. And the readers are invited to come in, notice what their judgment is about the topic and then ask questions,” said Ms Orchard, the founder of WalkTogetherBermuda, an organisation that promotes equality and justice as a way of building a healthier and more peaceful community.

She believes the Human Library gives an opportunity to see things from a different point of view; a chance to hear first-hand about someone’s life instead of assuming what their reality has been.

Overall, the project has been a success, Ms Brangman said. “It’s about bringing our community together, learning about each other and just hopefully, making the world a better place.

“People were really appreciative of the open mindedness. We were very appreciative of the patience of people. It really was a fantastic evening.”

Added Ms Orchard: “People were absolutely blown away by the courage of the books – the honesty, the openness.”

The big complaint from readers was that they “didn’t get to listen to all the books” in the three-hour event.

Said Ms Brangman said. “I'm thrilled with the way this one turned out but I am certain that the one in September is going to be even better.”

The next Human Library will take place on September 28. To be involved contact Helen Orchard at helenorchard1@gmail.com or 747-6280, or e-mail libraryevents@gov.bm. For more information visit humanlibrary.org