BEAUFORT, S.C. () Folks are putting the books down, and instead ‘checking out’ a variety of real-life stories told by local community members who come from all different walks of life.

‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ is the message the Beaufort Human library is setting out to accomplish. It’s a collaboration between the Technical College of the Lowcountry, The Pat Conroy Center, and the Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization (DAYLO).

“I think it’s definitely to teach people empathy,” said Zayda Pruit, a student ‘bookmark’ for the human library.

Organizers said the event also allows folks the opportunity to challenge stereotypes by sitting down with local storytellers who have faced different versions of adversity.

“What is significant about our family is we’re going to be one of the first interracial families in Beaufort County,” said Victoria Smalls, one of the Human Book speakers, along with her sisters, Omega Smalls and Lynn Bryant.

 “We were the first interracial family in Beaufort County,” said Omega, correcting her sister.

The thirty minute ‘human book’ discussions focused on topics like gender, education, military service, healthcare, addiction, among many others.

“There’s a lot of very strong misrepresentation of what being trans really is, because it’s not a political ideology or this movement. It’s just it’s just my life,” said Gwen Mcclune alongside her wife, Ashley Gardner.

Organizers said, the hope is for folks to take home these stories with an open mind and a message in hand.

“I’ve had many students tell me afterwards, they’re like, ‘I never thought I could be in healthcare, or I never thought I could do this, and now I have an interest in it because I talked to this person. They gave me their number. I’m going to do this,” said Pruit. “I think it just can be eye opening for students, but also for adults. I’ve seen so many adults come out of here with a different perspective.”

The three organizations come together to host the event twice a year. Pruit said she, along with other students, will be hosting the next human library at the end of this month at Battery Creek High School.