Everyone grieves in his or her own unique way. The process is often long and painful whether the deceased is a spouse, a child, a parent or a friend. A new Bereavement Collection being introduced at the Newman Riga Library addresses the problem. It contains books on grief, loss and coping for all ages. The Baker family has generously gifted the library with a “loaded” Kindle curently containing 24 e-books on grief in memory of their loved one, Diane Baker. It is the intention of the family to provide help with the healing process through bibliotherapy. Soon to come will also be a memorial bookcase containing hard copy books on the bereavement process for those individuals who choose actual books over e-books.
In presenting the gift, the Bakers have stated that while “nothing will be able to take away hurt and sorrow, or magically end the grieving, perhaps this collection of books will help people in need understand their emotions and their loss, and help them through their toughest moments.”
“Diane Baker was a long-time patron and community member,” says Donna Haire, director of the Newman Riga Library. “She was bright, she was singularly kind and I know she would have supported the family’s plan in their efforts to reach out to others in need through such a gift. Books were her joy and her refuge, and she understood that she had many friends who shared her passion.”
The collection currently contains books ranging from miscarriages and stillbirths, to the death of parents. It contains books for children like “The Invisible String” by Patrice Karst, to classics like C.S. Lewis’s “Grief Observed.” The collection was developed with the help of Lifetime Care and several hospice libraries. It is the intention of the Baker Family to add to the collection over time.
The Newman Riga Library is located in the Village of Churchville at the intersection of Buffalo Road and Main Street. For information, call 293-2009.
