Turning to the Library During Life’s Difficult Moments

At the Library, we know that reading for pleasure and escapism is a wonderful thing.

We love that we can provide those stories that transport you to new worlds, introduce you to unforgettable characters, and offer you an escape from the everyday. But sometimes, life demands that we read different stories - stories that help us navigate the most challenging moments of our lives.

Recently, my family experienced one of those difficult moments. Our beloved pet passed away, leaving a huge hole in our home and our hearts. For my four-year-old daughter, the loss of her furry best friend was confusing and devastating. She had so many questions, and the sadness weighed heavily on her little shoulders. We turned to the Library, seeking books to help her understand what had happened and give her the words to express her grief. We found books that explained loss in gentle, age-appropriate ways, stories that reassured her that it’s okay to feel sad, and books that reminded her that love never really goes away. This is when the Library shines—when it becomes a beacon of comfort and understanding, providing the right book at the right time to help us grieve in a healthy way.

The truth is life is full of tough moments. As much as we love to be a happy place—filled with laughter, entertainment, and joyful discoveries—we also recognize that sometimes, our customers come to us in their hardest times. We see you when you place holds on books about grief, divorce, job loss, or mental health struggles. We feel for you when you check out books on caregiving for a loved one or helping a child navigate change.

And we want you to know: your Library is here for you. When you feel like you’ve hit rock bottom, we offer support, resources, and a place where you are seen and heard. Whether you need books to guide you through a difficult transition, a quiet space to reflect, or simply a reassuring nod from a librarian who understands—your Library is here.

If you are facing a challenging time, we invite you to explore the many books and resources available to help you through it. Here are a few titles that may provide comfort, guidance, or validation when you need it most:

Books on Grief and Loss:

• The Invisible Leash: A Story Celebrating Love After the Loss of a Pet by Patrice Karst
• It Won’t Ever Be the Same by Korie Leigh
• It’s Okay That You’re Not Okay by Megan Devine

Books on Divorce and Family Change:

• Two Homes by Claire Masurel
• The List of Things That Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead
• Blend  by Mashonda Tifrere

Books on Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being:

• The Boy with Big, Big Feelings by Britney Winn Lee
• The Beasts in Your Brain by Katherine Speller
• Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb

Books on Job Loss and Life Transitions:

• What Color Is Your Parachute?  by Richard N. Bolles
• Designing Your Life  by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
• Rising Strong  by Brené Brown

No matter what you are facing, please know that you are not alone. Your Library is more than just a place for books—it is a place for healing, support, and community. We are honored to walk alongside you through the joys and hardships, offering the power of stories to light the way forward.

Hanna T.
Mid-Continent Public Library