The Human Library Turns a Page
Back for a second chapter, the Human Library helps Cape Cod Healthcare staff see beyond the surface and connect through honest, eye-opening conversations.
From left to right: Kumara Sidhartha, MD, Rebekah Day, RN, Cyndy Cotton of the Osterville Village Library and Cecilia Phelan-Stiles come together to spark conversation and connection during the Human Library event on May 13 at Falmouth Hospital (click arrow on right to view slideshow).
Ted Calianos, Dr. Kumara Sidhartha and Carter Hunt take part in a day of storytelling, empathy and learning at the Human Library.
Ryan, who identifies as non-binary, shares his story with Falmouth Hospital staff. “The best thing I can do is shine as brightly as I can—and hopefully bring joy to others in the process,” says Ryan.
Kathy is celebrating 10 months of sobriety. In recovery from alcohol addiction, she shares that Falmouth’s recovery community—offering everything from yoga and acupuncture to AA meetings—has been vital to her journey.
Marilyn cared for her husband with Alzheimer’s for eight years. “It’s about finding what brings them comfort, while also remembering to care for yourself,” she adds, urging caregivers to seek support and take time for their own needs.
Richard, an Iraq War Veteran, advises those supporting friends with PTSD: “Give them space. Pushing someone to talk can trigger things they’re not ready to face.”
Rebekah Day and Barbara Pecorella sit down with Caribbean immigrant Zavia, one of the “books” at the Human Library.
Volunteers from diverse backgrounds shared their unique stories with staff at the Human Library event at Falmouth Hospital.
“Beans” returned to the Human Library to share his mental health journey. Living with anxiety, CPTSD, bipolar disorder and a personality disorder, Beans speaks candidly about the ups and downs of mental health. “It’s not linear,” he says. “Recovery is possible—you just have to want it and fight for it.”
Cape Cod Healthcare partnered with the Osterville Village Library to bring the transformative Human Library program back to Falmouth Hospital on May 13 and to Cape Cod Hospital on May 28.
Everyone has a story. What’s yours?
Seven months after its successful debut, Cape Cod Healthcare once again partnered with the Osterville Village Library to bring the transformative Human Library program back—this time to Falmouth Hospital on May 13 and to Cape Cod Hospital on May 28. The return of the Human Library invites staff to “check out” living books—real people sharing real stories.
This innovative program offers healthcare professionals the opportunity to engage in meaningful one-on-one or small group conversations lasting 15 to 20 minutes. At Falmouth Hospital, the “human books” included a recovering alcoholic, a caregiver, a wheelchair user, an Iraq War veteran, an individual living with a mental health disorder, a non-binary person and a Caribbean immigrant—each sharing a personal story aimed at breaking down stereotypes and fostering empathy. The upcoming Cape Cod Hospital event is expected to feature many of these stories, along with with new voices and perspectives.
Dr. Kumara Sidhartha, Cape Cod Healthcare’s Chief Health Equity and Wellness Officer, sees the return of the Human Library as the revival of a “casual community classroom”—a space to foster deeper understanding between patients and healthcare teams. This understanding, he says, “can potentially transform clinical interactions to be more patient-centered and drive the organization’s ongoing commitment to deliver the highest quality care for all.”
“Each conversation facilitates reflections on preconceived judgments we may be having about each other,” says Dr. Sidhartha. “When staff hear these lived experiences firsthand, they’re more likely to approach their next clinical interactions with openness and compassion. It goes both ways—patients, too, may feel more connected with and be less judgmental of the care providers.”
First launched in Denmark in 2000, the Human Library is built on the idea that open dialogue can help bridge cultural, religious, and social divides. Its continued presence at Cape Cod Healthcare reflects a growing commitment to inclusion, empathy, and equity—one story at a time.
“The Human Library grows with every story shared,” says Cyndy Cotton, Executive Director of the Osterville Village Library. “When we truly listen, we begin to understand — and that’s how change starts: one honest, human conversation at a time.”
We stopped by the Burwell Conference Room on Tuesday, May 13, at Falmouth Hospital and opened chapters—conversations—with caregiver Marilyn, non-binary Ryan, recovering alcoholic Kathy, Iraq War veteran Richard, and “Beans,” who shared his mental health journey.
The volunteers who shared their stories came from all walks of life—individuals who have faced stereotypes or experienced prejudice in the community based on race, religion, sexual orientation, lifestyle, disability, or other differences.
Below are some chapter highlights from our conversations—expressed in their own words. Click the images below to watch their videos.
Caregiver Marilyn
Cared for her husband, who lived with Alzheimer’s for about 8 years
When working with people who have Alzheimer’s, it's essential to bring a sense of calm. If you're upset or rushed, they can sense it. You can’t hurry them—there’s nothing logical about Alzheimer’s. One moment they may seem fine, and the next, they don’t know who they are, where they are or why they want to leave.
I joined a support group and realized that you can’t do it all on your own.
It’s important to remember that the person with Alzheimer’s is still the same inside. They may not recognize you, but don’t take it personally. If you're agitated, they’ll pick up on it. It’s about finding what brings them comfort while also remembering to care for yourself. Too often, caregivers forget to ask for help or take time for their own needs.
Ryan – Non-Binary
Uses they/them pronouns; originally from England; has lived on the Cape since 2004
I grew up in England during a time when teaching about queer identities was illegal. In my childhood, I didn’t have access to any gender-affirming healthcare.
One of the reasons I participate in Human Library events is to show the next generation of trans kids that there is a life they can have. I don’t want them to suffer through the things I did. I want them to know their identities are valid.
As someone who is non-binary, I have to be visible. I can’t live my gender without being visibly transgender. So the best thing I can do is shine as brightly as I can—and hopefully bring joy to others in the process.
Kathy – Addiction Recovery
In recovery from alcohol addiction and celebrating 10 months of sobriety
People don’t understand addiction. I think they’re afraid of it—asking questions opens an avenue where they might have to accept it. I hope my story helps people better support those they care about. There are so many recovery resources in this tight-knit community.
During therapy, had lost my spirituality in my addiction, and now I’m learning how to get it back. It’s such an important part of recovery.
If I can be an advocate for anything, it’s this: put yourself into a program when you’re ready to surrender and willing to acknowledge your addiction.
The recovery community in Falmouth is wonderful—everything from yoga and acupuncture to AA meetings. All of it plays a role in recovery.
Richard – Iraq War Veteran
Retired from the Navy in 1996; living with PTSD and aphasia
I’ve talked with people here at the Human Library who have friends in the military. They can see the change in their eyes and faces. When they ask how to help, I say: give them space. They’re hurting inside. Pushing someone to talk can trigger things they’re not ready to face.
Therapy has helped me a lot. I now go once a month. My somatic therapist uses a different approach—it’s not hypnotism, but more like following a ball back and forth, like being on a train you can step off anytime. It helped me open up and face specific traumas. The more I did it, the more progress I made.
It’s not easy to admit you need therapy—but sometimes, that’s what makes the difference.
“Beans” – Mental Health Chapter
Returned to the Human Library to share his mental health journey. We first met “Beans” at last year’s Human Library, where he discussed life as a transgender man. This year, he chose to focus on mental health. Beans lives with chronic anxiety, CPTSD, bipolar disorder and a personality disorder.
When it comes to mental health, nothing is linear. Who’s to say that a week from now, I won’t be down in the dumps with my depression—or maybe I’ll be happy, like I am now. It comes in waves.
People often assume those with personality disorders are angry or violent—but mental health looks different for everyone. My parents first noticed my depression when I was 8. Since then, I’ve learned that having a mental illness doesn’t make you a monster. Some days, I get anxiety just trying to pick out an outfit.
My mental health doesn’t define me, but it’s a part of me. If you’re struggling, know that it’s OK—as long as you seek help and take your time. Recovery is possible, but you have to want it. You have to fight for it. You can get better. You can be happy.
I just want people to know that if you’re dealing with any mental health disorder or condition, it’s OK—as long as you seek help and take your time approaching recovery. If you want to recover, you have to want it. You have to have that passion. You have to fight for it.
It really is possible to be happy and to get better.
The next Human Library will take place at the Lorusso Boardroom on Wednesday, May 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cape Cod Hospital.
