The Compassionate Friends Postal Lending Library is for bereaved parents, their families and those who seek to help them.

The library contains more than 1,200 titles on all aspects of bereavement, and many audio and video tapes - the largest collection available to the general public in the UK. Many bereaved people find reading about the experiences of others who have been through a similar tragedy very helpful in coming to terms with their own loss. TCF helps parents, grandparents and siblings to cope with their loss and the library collection reflects these core needs, but it is often able to respond to those with related needs, such as children and young people who have lost a parent in childhood.

Books and other media can only be loaned within the UK. Four items can be sent in a parcel and these can be loaned for up to one month. There is an initial library membership charge of £10.00, (except for those who subscribe to the supporting members of TCF scheme), plus the postage costs each time you borrow books from the library. Alternatively if you only require a ‘one off' parcel of books the handling charge will be £3.00 to bereaved families and £5.00 to all others, plus postage costs. These charges contribute to the running costs of our library service. An invoice is sent with each order. If you have financial difficulties, please let the Library know and they will try and reduce the cost of membership.

We also sell "difficult to trace" books worldwide, so please ask for our sales list.

Memorial Book Scheme

Many families support the library by donating a book to the library in memory of the child who has died. The Library keeps a list of books (some new and some copies of existing titles) that are needed. Those donating a book receive a bookplate which they complete with their child's name. We can also insert a small photograph next to the bookplate, if desired. Please complete the form below to receive information about this scheme and any other information you require regarding our library.

How to use the Library

You can request books now by filling in and submitting the form below. Telling us about your own situation will help us to choose the most suitable titles for you. Alternatively, you can order our Library Catalogue and choose your own titles. The Library will always, on request, help you choose the most suitable titles for your own situation.

Please fill in as many fields as possible. Fields marked with a * are required information, and will allow us to get in touch with you later.

Postal enquiries can be sent to:

The Compassionate Friends Postal Library
under 1 roof
Ground Floor
5A New Road Avenue
Chatham
Kent
ME4 6BG

Email:- library@tcf.org.uk

Telephone enquiries can be made on the following telephone number:-
+44 (0)1634 814146

(An ansaphone service is available when the library is not open)