INSIGHT
‘‘ Building Collections
Compassionate collections for compassionate communities
T
HE concept of ‘compas- sionate communities’ is something we are increasingly hearing about. It is very much
a growing movement. It is about creating communities where kindness and mutual support lay the foundations for people living fulfilling, socially connected lives. The term also has a more specific focus on end-of-life, on living well in the face of death. It is about giving the opportunity and tools for people to talk about death if they need to, or to just have meaningful social contact and connection in their remaining time.
These two elements are clearly inter-related, and libraries can play a key part in both. Compassionate communities can:
l open up conversations about death, dying and loss;
l support ‘death literacy’ – helping people navigate the practical aspects of end-of-life care;
l create opportunities for individuals and groups to support each other;
l increase access to resources and support;
l work as a whole community – creating connections between people, groups, organisations, and services.
Modern public libraries are built on community, on meaningful and inclusive social interaction. The groups, activities and services we provide are all about connecting people, with building communities of all different types. This is the DNA of libraries, and it makes sense for these strengths to be drawn on here.
There are an increasing number of examples of libraries facilitating more focussed activity. Through offers such as ‘death cafés’, libraries can offer opportunities for people to learn to talk about death and life in ways that help them. As in most areas, there is huge opportunity for our public libraries’ stock and resources elements offer to support this.
26 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL The right partners
The most obvious way is in the provision of specific collections of books to help people explore and understand death, whether terminally ill themselves, or as someone caring for a loved one who is dying. This can also extend to resources to support people living through grief, following a death.
These collections work best when developed and presented in partnership with relevant organisations. In Suffolk, we have recently introduced ‘Compassionate Communities’ collections in libraries in partnership with St Elizabeth Hospice, a local provider of end-of-life care and support. These collections contain a range of content from non-fiction to fiction, from the very practical, to softer approaches that help people better understand where they are and to live positively. They include material for children, young people and adults, for people who are perhaps facing death themselves, or who are living with the imminent or recent death of a loved one. The collections are highly visible in the library, we do not shy away from the subject. We are not expecting people to know what they are looking for, or even that they are looking for anything at all. It is high visibility, but low pressure. The loans for the past year are in the thousands, showing a definite need. Lending stats, however, are just the surface. The impact of these collections in helping people is difficult to measure but is clear and undeniable.
What are communities building? As I said at the start, this isn’t just about death, it is about life. For many people, talking about death is not what is needed. For many, the focus is on building social connections and improving life, however much of that remains. So how can we use our collections in this broader sense? This comes down to understanding what communities we are building, and
Paul Howarth (
paul.howarth@
suffolklibraries.co.uk) is Head of Content and Resource Development, Suffolk Libraries.
www.suffolklibraries.co.uk
aligning our stock selection with the work being done to achieve this. This can range from communities based on geography and/or demographics, to communities of interest, based on shared experiences and enthusiasms. Communities can be on any scale; essentially, even two people connecting is a community.
Collections can be curated and made available for when particular groups meet or activities take place. An example is having collections of needlework and crafting books available and visible when the library ‘knit and natter’ group meet. As well as providing further reading in a relevant subject area, the books can be used to spark conversation – to increase the sense of shared interest and belonging. In a time when we are facing pressures on stock budgets, this might not sound easy or possible. However, it is a question of priorities and focussing resources where the greatest impact can be made. By aligning with known need and opportunity we can position collections for maximum use. As ever, it is about having the right things in the right places. Libraries are built on kindness, com-
passion and community. They have been building ‘compassionate communities’ long before it became a defined concept and movement. Yet again, the wider world is catching up with libraries, and we are perfectly positioned to further facilitate positive change for people in both good and difficult times. IP
March 2024
Modern public libraries are built on community, on meaningful and inclusive social interaction.
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