The story collection at the Frankfort Public Library expanded Sunday to include a selection of those told in person.
Dubbed a Human Library, the event drew about a dozen patrons and featured area residents who have experienced discrimination based on some aspects of their life. Those who spoke were available for one-on-one conversations about their life experiences.
Part of an international movement that started 17 years ago, the Human Library was started with the goal of expanding understanding and challenging prejudice.
“I really liked the idea of expanding people’s horizons,” said Lisa Moe Meierkort, an adult services librarian. “Frankfort feels a little homogeneous.”
Stories at the weekend event featured titles such as “The Only Jew in Town” and “Alcoholic In Recovery.”
Lisa Guardiola spoke about living with paranoid schizophrenia.
“I’m very versed in being able to talk about my disability, but that came with time. When I was first diagnosed, approaching me about doing something like this would never have crossed my mind,” said Guardiola, 46, of Hazel Crest. She serves as the vice president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness South Suburbs of Chicago.
Guardiola has often given talks and presentation about mental illness to groups of people over the years, but she had never done a one-on-one conversation with a total stranger before Sunday, she said.
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“This is a little more intimate,” Guardiola said. “I’m not sure what they are going to ask.”
At least one person took Sunday’s event as an opportunity to not only share his story, but also as a way to grow as a person.
David Kevish, 37, of Joliet, said he volunteered for the Human Library as part of his efforts to be more outgoing. Kevish is gay and is permanently disabled from back and spine issues.
Kevish said he was surprised at the depth to which some wanted to know about his life. But he expected to talk about what it is like to be in “situation where they may be gay or lesbian and a new relationship and they have a major health crisis.”
Moe Meierkort said she hopes to find a different assortment of speakers for the event next year.
The event drew the attention of Kati Konkol, 44, of Frankfort. She said everyone has a story to tell.
“I love hearing people’s stories. I think it’s the best way to understand the world around you,” Konkol said.
Nick Swedberg is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.