Healing Library kits help families deal with difficult life events. They contain information for families, themed books, art supplies, games/toys, and other items to help children process, grieve, and heal. Kits are available at the Stratford Library and at Stratford Parents Place. [Important note: for immediate psychiatric help for children, dial 2-1-1, 9-8-8, or 9-1-1 as the situation requires. Families in Stratford can also contact Stratford Community Services at (203) 385-4095 for local counseling information].
Themes include: Economic Hardship, Death of a Loved One, Death of a Pet, Alzheimer’s and Your Family, Cancer and Your Family, Divorce and Step Families, and Coping with Childhood Anxiety.
Kits are available at both Stratford Parents Place, located at Stratford Academy/Johnson House, 719 Birdseye Street, Stratford CT, 06615, 203-381-6992 and at the Stratford Library Children’s Department located at 2203 Main St, Stratford, CT 06615, 203-385-4165.
About this Collection:
The Healing Library originated with a team of people that includes a children’s librarian, a licensed children’s counselor specializing in art and play therapy, a children’s literature advocate, and a programming librarian.
The Healing Library Model was replicated by a partnership with Stratford Parents’ Place Family Resource Center and Stratford Library Children’s Department. With the help of community partners such as Stratford Community Services, this kit was customized for the Stratford Community.
Can’t make it in person? You can use some of the resources in the kit with these online links.
Online kits include:
Healing Library: Coping with Coronavirus
Healing Library: Death of a Loved One
Healing Library: Coping with Childhood Anxiety
Stratford Parents’ Place and the Stratford Library Children’s Department acknowledge that this project is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Connecticut State Library, and a Community Impact Grant from the Stratford Rotary Club.