A Human Library offers people as "books" to be lent out to curious readers who will ask them questions and challenge their perceptions on different groups in the community.

These selected books aim to represent members of the community who are exposed to general misconceptions, stigma, stereotyping and/or prejudice. Books will be loaned during the event in nine 15-minute sessions to individuals or small groups (2-3 individuals), with 5-minute breaks in between each session. Books will be stationed in designated conversation areas around the building.

This year's Human Books include:

 - Denis Beaudry, a man who has led 12 international bike trips, most recently traveling 10,000 in 4 months -- flying to Spain, cycling to China, flying to Califronia, and cycling home to Lowell 

- Joyce Poggi Hager, a caregiver to her intellectual disabled brother and author of "Jimmy and Me: A Sister's Memoir" 

- Ron Kolek, paranormal investigator, founder of the New England Ghost Project, and author of "The Ghost Chronicles: A Medium and Paranormal Scientist Investigate 17 True Hauntings" 

- Judah Leblang, a gay man with a hearing impairment who works with the Deaf Community and author of "Echoes of Jerry: One Man's Search for His Deaf Uncle and His Own Voice" 

- Mike Rogers, a popular and talented blind musician 

- Randy Ross, a reluctant world traveler and author of "God Bless, Cambodia" 

- William Shuttleworth, a 71-year-old Air Force veteran who just walked across the country (3,600 miles) to raise awareness of veteran issues 

- Kevin Walsh, a man who made national news for soaring around Boston on a helium balloon ride and author of "57 Balloons" 

For planning purposes, registration IS required. Limited to 30 spots. Staff member Robert Hayes will follow up with each registrant 1-2 days before the event to ask which "human books" they anticipate loaning out. While registrants CAN pick and choose, the library's preference is registrants speak with ALL 9 books -- or as many as possible given the registrants' schedule -- over the three hours.