Moscow’s Public Library offers the community an assortment of resources: book clubs, public outreach, a safe space for people of all ages, and, more recently, a place to discuss death.
Death cafes are gatherings for those interested in conversing about the one universal experience: mortality. The movement’s main objective is “to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.” The discussions are typically accompanied by snacks like tea and cake.
The idea began in 2011 by London resident Jon Underwood, who based the model on Swiss sociology. Today, Death Cafes are held in over 90 countries.
The vague concept allows for many topics surrounding death and dying. At Moscow’s June 4th meeting, a handful of community members varying in age gathered for the dialogue. Questions such as what each person’s earliest memories of death were and how they viewed the symbology of dying were subjects of discussion.
Although dealing with a tumultuous topic, Death Cafes are explicitly not meant to act as grief support groups.
Amber Ziegler, the library employee who is responsible for bringing the concept to Moscow, discussed her desire to begin hosting Death Cafes after attending a few in the Pullman area.“I had really profound experiences at the Death Cafes I attended in 2016 and 2017, and I wanted a way to share that with our community.”
Ziegler went on to describe the positive feedback she received from attendees, noting the need for an environment in which Moscow residents could navigate the taboo subject.
“I love being able to help provide a space for that, and I’ve been really grateful for how willing people have been to engage with it.”
Details on the next Death Cafe in Moscow can be found on the Latah County Library District’s Facebook.
Alison Cranney can be reached at [email protected]