Empathy lab to focus on refugee crisis

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Beginning Tuesday, Richland County Library will offer local residents a chance to virtually experience the refugee crisis.

As part of the library’s My Life Experience Empathy Lab, which uses virtual reality technology, users can experience “We Wait,” an immersive look at a Syrian family’s journey based on BBC News interviews. The free lab is open to the public and tailored toward an adult audience.

The library’s empathy lab, provided by funding from the Central Carolina Community Foundation and the Tides Foundation, began last November with a focus on the experience of being homeless. In coming months, the lab will focus on criminal justice and sexual assault.

The first lab focusing on the refugee issue will be held Tuesday from 10 a.m. until noon at the library’s Sandhills location.

Other locations, dates and times are:

• Main branch, Jan. 10., 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.
• St. Andrews branch, Jan. 14., 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
• Northeast branch, Jan. 22., 10 a.m. until noon
• North Main branch, Jan. 24, 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.
• Ballentine branch, Jan. 28, 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
• Cooper branch, Jan. 29, 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.
• Wheatley branch, Jan. 31, 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.