AdvertisementBeyond Books: Libraries Lend Fishing Poles, Pans And PeopleAugust 13, 2013Elizabeth BlairfacebookEmailAt a Human Library event at the Santa Monica Public Library, a police detective "book" talks to two "readers." Human Library events and projects, which are held at libraries across the country, allow participants to "check out" volunteers and have conversations about their life experiences. (Santa Monica Public Library)