Commission offers check out of ‘human books’ at next week’s Downtown Thursday
At next week’s Downtown Thursday in Central Park, the Owatonna Human Rights Commission will be offering a Human Library similar to the one it did last year. People will have the chance to check out 18 “human books” throughout the evening. File photo
A strange but fun and interesting twist will be added to next week’s Downtown Thursday.
The Owatonna Human Rights Commission will be offering a library of humans as part of Owatonna Welcome Week. That’s right visitors will have the chance to check 18 “human books” throughout the evening.
“We’re trying to foster an environment that you can have a conversation with someone you haven’t before in the community,” said Jessica Bjore, a member of OHRC. “You might find you have something in common if you just sit down and talk to them.”
There will be three shifts with six human books offered during each shift: 5-6 p.m., 6-7 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. Visitors simply come by and chat with whichever human book they would like to know more about.
While OHRD recognizes that not everyone may like talking in person with somebody, it also offers an option of a QR code that takes visitors to a video recording of the person. “We’re trying to meet everyone where they are comfortable,” Bjore said.
The idea of a human library began in Europe, according to Bjore. OHRC developed the concept three years ago, initially starting at the Owatonna Public Library but with limited success. Last year the event moved to Downtown Thursday in an effort to capture more people.
“We just want to eliminate any hate, and we want people to feel welcome no matter what you look like or what you have or don’t have,” said Bjore. “We’re trying to break through discrimination and hate. We want to be good neighbors.”
This year’s human library coordinator is Jennifer Hansen.
Besides the human library, OHRC is also offering a showdown of members on a community soccer team Saturday, Sept. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Daiken Soccer Field. The team features players from ages 15 to middle-aged adults.
T-shirts, along with refreshments and snacks, will be offered at the soccer game. The Park and Rec’s trailer, Rec on the Go, will be available for young children at the game, Bjore said.
OHRC meets monthly on the second Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at Owatonna City Hall. Current members of the commission include Bjore (chair), Julia Seykora (vice chair), Mustafe Ismael (secretary), Hansen, Edgar Esquivel, Sherry Hill and Josiah Hult.
2025 Human Books
Offered at Downtown Thursday- Sept. 4
Yang Tut- Sudanese immigrant, Lutheran minister
Gregg Draeger- Oak Hill Community Connections
Kimberly Martinez- Hispanic Heritage
Matt Jessop- Owatonna mayor
Tingting Vitse- Asian American Heritage
Dom Korbel- Community Pathways
Silvan Durben- Owatonna Arts Center director
Jessica Bjore- Retired pro football cheerleader
Mark Blando- Owatonna Library director
Dr. Tamera Champa- Owatonna Schools superintendent
Jean and Dylan Radel- Adoptive parents
Gage Horn- Waseca law enforcement
Dan McGowan- Veteran
Abby Donahe- Down syndrome
Benya Kraus- SMIF president and CEO
Siobhan McKee- Native American Heritage
Nancy Williams- Owatonna Schools social worker
Edna Ringhofer- Healthy Seniors director