Students check out ‘living books’ from Human Library

Clayton Leuba, assistant features editor

A less-than-typical library made an appearance at USU this week. Much like any other library, this one was filled with books – but these books were alive.

The Human Library, where “living books” – human beings with stories to tell – are available for students to check out and participate in a conversation with, took place at USU’s Merrill-Cazier Library for its fourth time since its beginning in 2012, said Anne Hendrich, a reference librarian at the library.

The event, which Hendrich said began in Denmark, was brought to USU in 2012 in hopes it would provide students an opportunity to talk with people who may be able to give insight to something they may not fully understand themselves.

“It helps in putting a face on a subject you may have a prejudice on,” Hendrich said. “A lot of these are topics people might not otherwise be able to learn about.”

Hendrich said these conversations are meant to be performed with a mind open to other’s viewpoints, allowing for understanding without judgement.

To provide a diverse selection of human books, Hendrich said participants were gathered through various outlets, including the Extensions and Diversity Center and an on-campus inter-religious discussion group, ensuring a variety of topics to be on display at the library.

“Leaving Bologna Behind: Former Convict Moves Forward” was the title to one book on display at this year’s event. Tommy Thompson, whose run-ins with the law as a student at USU presented him challenges for years of his life, shared his story of overcoming adversity with students.

Thompson told students of how he had come to USU as a freshman and, eager to earn money to pay for his schooling, accepted an offer from a friend to transport a small quantity of drugs from California.

“At the time I thought, ‘I’ll just make a good chunk of change and pay for school,'” Thompson said.

What began as one simple job quickly escalated in scale, Thompson said. Soon the young college student was transporting large quantities of multiple controlled substances, motivated to continue by money he could use to pay for his schooling.

“I felt like I was high on the hog,” Thompson said. “I was going to school and life was easy.”

He said this went on for a time, but eventually things began to go poorly.

In 2008, Thompson separated from his wife and moved in with a friend, unaware the Logan Police Department had been observing the home for years, he said.

When his friend’s home was raided by police in October 2008, Thompson said police discovered five controlled substances in his room in quantities justifying charges for intent to distribute, as well as a fully-registered firearm. In addition to his charges for possessing drug paraphernalia, this instance lead to charges of possession of a firearm by a restricted person.

Thompson was sentenced to three months in the Utah State Prison’s maximum security diagnostic program.

“That was the lowest I’ve ever been in my life,” Thompson said. “Everyone else’s lives kept going. I felt like people were forgetting about me.”

Fo
ur years later, Thompson said he has made a full turnaround. After his release from the diagnostic program, Thompson said he was moved to a county jail where he was able to begin working on a work-release program, eventually gaining probationary privileges to be released and return to USU as a student.

Hendrich said Thompson’s story resonated with many participants.

“He’s been a ‘best seller,'” she said.

Other books at the event ranged in topics from religion, atheism, magic, female scientists and modern-day foragers.

“I want people to get a chance to find out about things they wouldn’t find out about otherwise,” Hendrich said. “It is a great opportunity to understand more – plus, it’s a lot of fun.”

Thompson, who now runs an on-campus organization trying to help students “find their passion,” said it was a valuable opportunity to share his story with students at the Human Library event.

He said through the event, he was able to come to a better understanding of his own situation as well as share insight he has gained through his experience to help other people with their own challenges or questions.

Hendrich said the Human Library event will recur on campus in the future, with the next event possibly being held this winter.

For information on the library and to view a catalog of books on display at this and past events visit libguides.usu.edu/humanlibrary.