'Human Library' does what Google can't for people with questions about adoption

People with questions about adopting a child had an opportunity tofind some answers at a human libraryinSaskatoon on Sunday.

• You can check out people at Saskatoon's 'human library'

The second annual event held by the Adoption Support Centre of Saskatchewan made eight human "books" available for 15-minute conversations with members of the public at the Rusty McDonald Library.

Adoptive parents, people who have an open adoption where childrenknow their birth parentsand birth mothers who chose to make adoption plans were among the "books" available to impart their knowledge.

Some answers can't be found online

Leah Deans, the resource director for the Adoption Support Centre of Saskatchewan, said the human library is designedto educate the public, dispel myths and change stereotypes.

She believes there is no better information than what can be learned by speaking to people with lived experience.

"We can Google just about anything, we can search anything and we can get quick answers," she said.

"But not always are they thorough, not always are they really depicting a wide variety of things to consider and things to know and be aware of."

Learning from experience

Shawna Jardinewas onthe shelf this yearas an adoptive parent and adoptee.

Growing up, Jardine knew she was adopted,but it was never an issue.

"Whenever I associated the word 'adopted,'I thought it was something really special," said Jardine.

She said a common misconception is that most children don't know they're adopted.

"It wasn't a matter of the kind of thing that you maybe see in movies where, you know, suddenly at 10-years-old you're sat down by your parents and told this big secret," she said.

'What's your story?'

Jardineagreed with Deans that speaking to someone with lived experience could provide insight that isn't available through research.

She said the first thing most peoplewant to know is the story of her own experience.

"From therethey askmore specific questions or for details and sometimes they do come with really specific 'what if?' questions," said Jardine.

Jardine said every person'ssituation is different butshe is able to provide guidance by sharing her own story.