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The Bias Inside Us exhibit to land at Downtown Huntsville Public Library

Published on April 13, 2023

Great news for Huntsville citizens and visitors! Starting Saturday, April 22, the traveling Smithsonian exhibit, “The Bias Inside Us,” will debut at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library’s (HMCPL) downtown branch. In addition to a centralized location at 915 Monroe St., the Downtown Huntsville Public Library is open seven days a week, with broad accessibility, meeting space and more.

“We are beyond thrilled to be the first city in Alabama to host this exhibit, especially in a location as accommodating and inclusive as the downtown library branch,” said Kenny Anderson, Director of the City’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. “With approximately 40,000 visitors to this location each month, we’re certain the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is the perfect landing spot for this important exhibit in Huntsville.”

WHAT’S TO COME

Hosted by the City of Huntsville, the free exhibit will discuss the social science and psychology of implicit bias, the impact of this bias and what people can do about it. Through compelling images, hands-on interactives and powerful testimonials and videos, “The Bias Inside Us” unpacks and demystifies the concept of bias.

The community engagement project is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and features six sections: Introduction, The Science of Bias, Bias in Real Life, Serious Consequences – Bias is All Around Us, #RetrainYourBrain and Personal Reflection. Visitors will participate in a self-guided tour exploring the foundational blocks of bias, the psychology of how bias forms and how it influences behaviors both consciously and unconsciously.

Major support for “The Bias Inside Us” is provided by the Otto Bremer Trust, with Meta being the local sponsor.

“The Library is honored to have the opportunity to host this impactful Smithsonian exhibit,” said HMCPL Executive Director Cindy Hewitt. “As a vibrant community hub, we strive to provide access to culturally significant experiences to the public. We believe the Downtown Huntsville Public Library is an ideal setting for ‘The Bias Inside Us’ exhibition.”

GET INVOLVED

Hours for the exhibit will be Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Last admittance will be 30 minutes before closing.

HMCPL is supporting “The Bias Inside Us” with book lists, programs and other resources to enrich the experience. Visit their website to learn more.

The Library will also host a keynote speaker and community read discussion of Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald. Watch the website for details.

An official grand opening for “The Bias Inside Us” will be held Monday, April 24, 10 a.m. at the downtown library. Get a sneak peek of the exhibition here.

A graphic for the BIAS Inside Us exhibition, featuring colorful artwork and logos of the Huntsville/Madison County Public Library and City of Huntsville.