The BFO-Toronto library holds a special place in the hearts of all our members. The library was founded in 1981 when there was not a great deal of literature about parental grief and locating a book about a grieving child was next to impossible. Carol Forster, a volunteer bereaved parent and Barbara Storey, a librarian from Trinity College spent many years building the foundation of our library. The library began with 20 copies of a book called The Bereaved Parent by Harriet Schiff and today the library holds over 600 books. Special thanks to the bereaved parents, staff members, volunteers, friends of the organization and to the BabySteps Children’s Fund and Bereaved Jewish Families who donated many books to this library. In the cover of each book is a dedication to a loved one. This makes each book very special to all who use our library.

In June 1999, at a special ceremony at our offices, the library was dedicated to the memory of a very special young woman, whose family has been involved with BFO for many years. A special plaque was presented to the Parrott family by a large group of volunteers, who wanted to honour both Alison’s memory and her mother’s (Lesley Parrott) dedication to helping other bereaved families.

If there is a book that you would like to dedicate and donate to our library, we would be very grateful. Please call the office at 416-440-0290 or email info@bfotoronto.ca to donate or for more information about taking out books and videos.

Below are lists of books you may find helpful. Attached is also a PDF book “Seven Helpful Ways to Support Those Who Grieve” by Patricia Hung.

Book Lists

Child Loss

Pregnancy & Infant Loss

Friend Support

Grief For Children and Teens

Loss of Friends or Family Members