DCDL, through a partnership with Cornerstone of Hope, will begin lending Children’s Grief Kits at all library locations this week to help young children between the ages of 0 and 8 explore and express their feelings about grief.

Posted: Tuesday, June 16, 2026

The Delaware County District Library (DCDL), through a partnership with Cornerstone of Hope, will begin lending Children’s Grief Kits at all library locations this week.

The kits, created with grant funds from the Delaware-Morrow Mental Health & Services Recovery Board, are made up of objects meant to help young children between the ages of 0 and 8 explore and express their feelings about grief.

“Every child processes through and expresses their grief differently,” said Jaclyn Ford, Youth Bereavement Coordinator at Cornerstone of Hope. “So it is helpful to use this kit with an open mind regarding what may be most helpful for your child.”

Objects in the kit include books, fidgets, games, and other items that encourage children to express and learn about their emotions.

“We often talk about reading literacy, but emotional literacy is just as critical,” said Kelly Cochran, Youth Services and Programming Coordinator. “These kits, created by experts in the area, give children the vocabulary and creative outlets they need to understand big, complex feelings like grief at a very young age.”

One kit will be available at each branch of the DCDL system, which includes Delaware, Liberty, Orange, Ostrander, and Powell locations. Look for the kits in the children’s area, or place one on hold by searching “Children’s Grief Kit.”

The kits may be checked out for up to 14 days as an exclusive benefit for Delaware County District Library cardholders.

Place a Children’s Grief Kit on hold