The Mortenson Center, in collaboration with the New American Welcome Center,  The Urbana Free Library and Illinois International- Global Relations will have a Human Library Event as part of the events featured during 2024 National Welcoming week. The event will feature immigrants and international students living in Champaign-Urbana as human books. Each human “book” will be available during the event to interact with “readers” and talk to them about their native country. Topics covered in the conversations include among others geographic location, cuisine, languages spoken and culture. Snacks, arts & crafts will be offered as part of the event. Open to all ages!

When: Saturday September 14 at 3:30-5:30pm.

Where: The Urbana Free Library, 210 W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801

Eleven countries will be  featured : Algeria,  Argentina, Brazil, Congo, Guatemala, Jamaica, Kazakhstan,  Russia, South Africa,  South Korea and Yemen. In keeping with the mission of the Mortenson Center, the event aims to introduce the concept of “internationalization @ home to the University of Illinois community and to foster intercultural competency and global understanding as well as welcome newcomers to the community while embracing diversity and fostering a sense of belonging.