A Buddhist Path Through Grief and Loss

Monday, November 1, 6 p.m.
Library Center auditorium and Virtual
For adults

Buddhists have applied the Buddha's teachings to their encounters of dying and death for millennia, charting many compassionate and wise paths through the experiences of grief and loss. David Ketchum and members of the Dinh Quang Buddhist Temple will introduce some of the Buddha's teachings, share stories of how Buddhist practices have aided their own journeys, and demonstrate a traditional Vietnamese service for honoring loved ones who have passed away. Q&A will follow the presentation. This event is offered in person and virtually; registration is required to attend virtually. Register at the link below; a link to the event will be shared with registered participants.

• Virtual - Registration starts October 18 Go to program page

On Angels' Wings

Wednesday, November 3, 6 p.m.
Library Center auditorium and Virtual
For adults

Giving birth can be such a joyous occasion, but nothing can prepare us for the death of a child. Michelle Cramer, founder and president of On Angels’ Wings, will discuss what her organization can offer to grieving families, and how we can help provide the support they need. Michelle will share stories from families she has worked with as well as her own experiences with bereavement and grief recovery. This event is offered in person and virtually; registration is required to attend virtually. Register at the link below; a link to the event will be shared with registered participants.

• Virtual - Registration starts October 20 Go to program page

Tombstone Bootcamp

Saturday, November 6, 2 p.m.
Library Center auditorium and Virtual
For adults

You can gather a lot of knowledge from viewing tombstones in a cemetery, but that information isn’t always clear. Cemetery expert and author Abby Burnett will share tips for extracting data from grave markers including dealing with archaic language and misleading symbolism, using light (and other non-invasive methods) to read an inscription, and proper cleaning techniques. This event is offered in person and virtually; registration is required to attend virtually. Register at the link below; a link to the event will be shared with registered participants.

• Virtual - Registration starts October 23 Go to program page

Gone to the Grave

Saturday, November 6, 3 p.m.
Library Center auditorium and Virtual
For adults

Historian Abby Burnett, author of "Gone to the Grave: Burial Customs of the Arkansas Ozarks, 1850-1950," will share stories about burial rituals and funeral customs in the Ozarks before the advent of the professional death-care industry. Books will be available for purchase and signing. This event is offered in person and virtually; registration is required to attend virtually. Register at the link below; a link to the event will be shared with registered participants.

• Virtual - Registration starts October 23 Go to program page

Hazelwood Cemetery Tour

Sunday, November 7, 2 p.m.
Hazelwood Cemetery, 1642 E. Seminole St
For adults

Enjoy an afternoon stroll through one of Springfield’s oldest and most beautiful burial grounds, Hazelwood Cemetery, while learning about its history, landmarks, tombstone symbolism and the notable and notorious men and women who rest there. Meet inside the entrance on Seminole Street. Limited to 20 participants. Registration is full for this event.

• Hazelwood Cemetery, 1642 E. Seminole St - Registration starts October 24 Email sarahr@thelibrary.org

Green Burial Basics

Tuesday, November 9, 6 p.m.
Library Center auditorium and Virtual
For adults

In our pursuit of sustainable and eco-friendly lives, it is easy to overlook the impact that traditional burials have on the environment. Join green burial advocate Krissy Sinor in a discussion of what constitutes a green burial and what options are available locally for those who are interested in going (out) green. This event is offered in person and virtually; registration is required to attend virtually. Register at the link below; a link to the event will be shared with registered participants.

• Virtual - Registration starts October 26 Go to program page

"Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate?" Resources to Help You Pass on Personal Possessions

Wednesday, November 10, 6 p.m.
Library Center auditorium and Virtual
For adults

Dealing with a loved one's possessions following their death can be a quandary for family members. Who gets what? What should you do with the items no one wants? There are practical solutions that will help avoid conflicts and ensure treasured items are placed into the hands you intended. Amber Allen, field specialist in Human Development & Family Science with the University of Missouri Extension, will discuss recommendations and resources outlined in the book, "Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate?" from the University of Minnesota Extension. Attendees will also receive a free copy of the book. This event is offered in person and virtually; registration is required for either option. A link to the virtual event will be shared with registered participants.

• Library Center auditorium -

  Registration is full for the seated event

• Virtual - Registration starts October 27 Go to program page

Changes and Challenges in Funeral Folkways During Plagues and Pandemics

Saturday, November 13, 2 p.m.
Library Center auditorium and Virtual
For adults

Using history, anthropology and future studies, Jon Shafer, humanities scholar, chaplain and board member of the Funeral Consumers Alliance of Greater Kansas City, will discuss the public health crises, past, present and future, arising from plagues and pandemics. He’ll also lead a discussion with the audience on changes, desired and despised, in funeral rituals and ways of facing death. This event is offered in person and virtually; registration is required to attend virtually. Register at the link below; a link to the event will be shared with registered participants.

• Virtual - Registration starts October 30 Go to program page

Forensic Files: Real Life in the Medical Examiner’s Office

Saturday, November 13, 4 p.m.
Library Center auditorium and Virtual
For adults

Chief Forensic Investigator Tom Van De Berg will share a behind-the-scenes look at the Greene County Medical Examiner’s Office and discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic affected work at the ME’s office. This event is offered in person and virtually; registration is required to attend virtually. Register at the link below; a link to the event will be shared with registered participants.

• Virtual - Registration starts October 30 Go to program page

Death Café of the Ozarks

Sunday, November 14, 2 p.m.
Library Center auditorium
For adults

Having open, honest discussions about death and dying can help alleviate our fears, make educated decisions and remind us to live life to the fullest. We’ll wrap up the Death & Dying series with casual conversations about death-related topics of interest in a safe, judgment-free environment. Refreshments will be provided.