Local Funeral Home developing Lending Library
As appeared in the Alpena News, Saturday, April 4, 2009
“I recently read a statistic that stated the Top 10 In-Demand jobs for 2010 did not exist in 2004. We live in rapidly changing times. In today’s busy lifestyle we do not take the time to support one another and expect others to get “over” their grief in a few short months,” indicated Chad Esch, owner of Bannan Funeral Home. “The grieving process is a long and sometimes never ending journey that is as unique to each individual as their fingerprint.” To help educate those who are grieving, Bannan Funeral Home is developing a Lending Library for the greater Alpena area. “The Lending Library is designed to be community oriented for everyone to use,” Esch said. “Grief affects everyone; whether it is the death of a loved one, loss of job, home, or pet, we all grieve in some manner. Books in the Library are designed to help and explain the grief work that is required after the death of a spouse, parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling or someone close. Many times we feel awkward asking questions such as “Am I going crazy?” or “Why does my body ache all the time?’ We hope to be able to lend books that would answer those questions and many more.
There are many different books available concerning grief. We hope that we will be able to have available books that cover most all the topics concerning the different types of grief. We soon will be listing the books we have available on our website's Grief Information and Edler Care page. For those desiring to purchase a book, they would be able to do so through Olivet Book and Gift in Alpena. Our website will also be listing resources readily available at Olivet Book and Gift.
The website will also have a link to Alpena County Public Library with a search engine for books available on their shelves and also books available through their network of libraries that may be sent to Alpena County Public Library for loan.
We view Alpena as a large family and we want to be available to help families prior to a death, at the time of death, and following a death any way we can. Since we know not everyone has a computer or internet access, we chose to partner with Olivet Book and Gift and Alpena County Public Library for ease in access for three reasons. First, it allows members of the community to help members of the community. Second, economically instead of directing families to a website where money is spent elsewhere, products are being purchased locally to help the community. Thirdly, those using the Lending Library or other entities would be able to share with those who are experiencing the same type of grief should they so desire.
We hope the Lending Library will be beneficial to all and we would certainly be interested in hearing comments from the community whether it would be suggestions concerning the Library or suggestions on books that may have been helpful to them or books they would like to see added to the Library. Comments may be directed to info@bannanfuneralhome.com or by calling (989) 354-8411.
