Have you heard of "Death Cafes"? They might sound scary or dark to the uninitiated, but there's a reason they're a growing worldwide phenomenon. People sometimes need a casual outlet to talk and ask questions about what happens at the end. At Mid-Manhattan Library, we have been hosting such discussions for almost two years now. In case you're not yet convinced, here are our top 10 reasons to attend:

1. To satisfy that gnawing worm of curiosity. After attending a Death Cafe, you will no longer have to wonder what you’re missing out on.

2. To talk about your concerns without being judged, analyzed, categorized, evaluated, or sold a product. We share your earnest belief that not all discussions relating to mortality need to be outsourced to specialists.

3. To combat your own solipsistic tendencies. Meet other New Yorkers who are searching for meaning and/or raging against the ultimate unfairness of their own demise.

4. To challenge your own cultural perspective. You could discover that customs and ideas that are strange or inappropriate in one tradition are perfectly acceptable in another. 

5. To learn how other New Yorkers come up with creative and practical solutions to frequent end-of-life concerns. Together, we can think outside the box!

6. To receive recommendations from fellow readers as well as two very knowledgeable librarians. Lauren and Marianna can recommend books on the subjects of grief, loss, fear, denial, meaning, lack of meaning, alternatives to burial, and organizations that provide resources and practical advice.

7. Mid-Manhattan’s Death Cafe is conveniently scheduled once a month on Monday evenings.

8. It’s free.

9. Death is inevitable.

10. Death Cafe’s objective is to “increase awareness of death with a view of helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.” Rather than depressing or morbid, we think you will find talking about death can be a very positive and life-affirming experience. 

Our next Death Cafe is Monday January 13 at 6:30 PM in Room 67A. We hope to see you there!