Voices of Ingham Human Library
1st Anniversary Celebration
EVENT AT A GLANCE
Date Saturday, July 25, 2026
Time 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Venue MSUFCU Headquarters, Community Room
3777 West Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823
Admission Free and open to the community
Capacity Up to 100 attendees
ABOUT THIS EVENT
One year ago, Voices of Ingham held its very first Human Library session. Since then, we have brought together
community members month after month — readers and Live Books alike — creating moments of genuine
connection across difference.
Our 1st Anniversary is a celebration of everyone who made this possible: the Live Books who shared their stories,
the readers who showed up with open hearts, and the community that continues to grow around us.
Our Live Books for this event will be a mix of returning voices — the majority being familiar faces from our past
sessions — along with a few new Live Books joining us for the first time.
Join us for a morning of storytelling, conversation, and connection. Whether you are a returning friend or
discovering VOI for the first time, you belong here.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Opening Feature
A story-connected performance to set the tone — spoken word, acoustic music, cultural storytelling, or a
community voice who bridges entertainment and the Human Library spirit.
Welcome Address
Rick Grillo, Chief of Police, Meridian Township — speaking on community trust, authentic listening, and human
connection.
Panel Discussion
A moderated conversation featuring voices from across our community, including:
- Dr. Bertha Bullen — Alzheimer’s Association
- Angel Wright — Peer Recovery Coach, Community Mental Health
- Jenny Metzmaker — Director, Positive Somebody
- Additional panelists to be announced
Live Book Sessions
The heart of every VOI event. Choose from approximately 10 Live Books — real people with real stories — and
sit with them in an intimate one-on-one or small group conversation. Each session runs 20–30 minutes. You
choose who you want to meet.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
| Time | Program Item |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM |
Setup & Volunteer Briefing [CONFIRMED]
AV, tables, and chairs in place. Vendor tables set up by all vendors. Volunteers stationed. Live Books at assigned tables.
|
| 9:30 AM |
Doors Open & Welcome [CONFIRMED]
Guests arrive, browse Live Book menu, find seats.
|
| 9:35 AM |
Opening Feature — Crowd Pull [WORKING ON IT]
A story-connected performance. Options: spoken word, acoustic music, cultural storytelling, or improv.
|
| 9:55 AM |
Emcee Opens the Program [TO BE CONFIRMED]
Introduces VOI, the Human Library concept, and the day's flow. Peter Cyril Jones being explored.
|
| 10:00 AM |
What is a Human Library? [CONFIRMED]
3–4 minute orientation for first-time attendees. Sets the spirit before the Welcome Address.
|
| 10:05 AM |
Welcome Address [CONFIRMED]
Rick Grillo, Chief of Police, Meridian Township — community trust, authentic listening, and connection.
|
| 10:20 AM |
Panel Discussion [WORKING ON IT]
Dr. Bertha Bullen (Alzheimer's Assn) · Angel Wright (Peer Recovery Coach, CMH) · Jenny Metzmaker (Director, Positive Somebody) · 1–2 additional panelists.
|
| 11:00 AM |
Audience Q&A [WORKING ON IT]
Open floor for attendees to engage with panelists. Time-boxed.
|
| 11:15 AM |
Live Book Sessions Begin [WORKING ON IT]
~10 Live Books, CONCURRENT intimate conversations. Readers choose their Live Books. Each session 20–30 min.
|
| 12:30 PM |
Live Book Sessions Wrap Up [WORKING ON IT]
Readers return to main area. Brief transition before closing.
|
| 12:45 PM |
Recognition & Token Appreciation [WORKING ON IT]
Acknowledge Guest Speaker, panelists, and all Live Books. Tokens of appreciation — form TBD.
|
| 1:00 PM |
Closing Remarks [TO BE CONFIRMED]
By Murali and/or Emcee. Reflect on the year, thank the community, invite continued connection.
|
| 1:05 PM |
Open Networking & Refreshments [WORKING ON IT]
Informal mingling. Refreshments will be available throughout the event — finance and format TBD. Official close at 1:30 PM.
|
| 1:30 PM |
Event Closes [CONFIRMED]
Official end time per MSUFCU venue booking.
|