Friends of The Seattle Public Library

Partner with Grievers Library

The Grievers Library is a unique project dedicated to providing support in the form of books specifically tailored to the subjects of grief and bereavement to individuals who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

At the heart of the Grievers Library beats the rhythm of volunteerism and love, intertwining to create a sanctuary for those navigating the treacherous waters of grief. Much like a food bank provides sustenance for the body, the Grievers Library nourishes the soul with its vast collection of books, earning it the endearing title of a "love bank." Here, amidst the pages of countless stories, love and compassion flow freely, offering solace to those in mourning.

The ethos of the Grievers Library is simple yet profound: to provide free access to literature that serves as a beacon of hope and understanding for individuals grappling with loss. Just as the food bank distributes food without charge, the Grievers Library distributes books without cost, recognizing that love and compassion are the greatest gifts one can offer to the bereaved.

Pamela Belyea, the project coordinator for the Grievers Library, stands beside the organization's miniature library stationed outside the Vashon Senior Center (photo taken by Elizabeth Shepherd Photo).

The partnership between the Friends of The Seattle Public Library (FoSPL) and the Grievers Library illuminates the power of collaboration in serving communities in need with a shared commitment to promoting literacy and supporting those navigating grief. This alliance has blossomed into a beacon of compassion across various neighborhoods.

So far FoSPL has donated a total of 77 grief books to "little libraries" stationed in Vashon Island, Seattle, Bainbridge, and Kingston.

The Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber wrote an article about the Grievers Library you can find HERE. Our thanks to the article's author Elizabeth Shepherd for allowing us to reference her article.

Visit https://www.grieverslibrary.org/ to learn more about how you can help sustain this initiative.

First Graders Visit the High Point Branch!

In late February, three classes from Fairmount Park Elementary visited the High Point Branch Library.

Many of the students signed up for their very first library card! The Friends provide the owl totes shown here to celebrate children who receive their first library card.

Congratulations to these little readers!

Seattle Reads: Celebrating Octavia Butler

Every year, The Seattle Public Library chooses one book for its Seattle Reads Program and this year they are celebrating Octavia Butler!

This Seattle area author penned several award-winning novels before passing away in 2006. Join us in honoring her life and legacy by reading the science fiction success "Parable of the Sower"!