New cemetery bookshelf to support bereaved parents
BBCA library aimed at helping bereaved parents has been opened at a cemetery.
Rangers from Westbury Town Council in Wiltshire built the small wooden bookshelf so people could sit and read children's books nearby to graves.
A sign on it reads, "Pages for Little Stars: Read to me, I'm not too far, your voice can reach my little star."
Naomi Harvey from Westbury Town Council, who came up with the idea, said: "I think it's a lovely symbol to show parents that they are not alone, and that we're thinking of them."
"We're here to support them, even if that is [just] by giving them the chance to read a book," she added.
Westbury ranger Andy Weston created the bookshelf with wood the council had already had.
Surrounded by several benches, the bookshelf is situated in a quiet corner of the graveyard, with views of the nearby Westbury White Horse.
Harvey, an administration and finance assistant at Westbury Town Council, added: "I wanted to support bereaved families...it's [an issue] very close to my heart.
"I hope parents might be able to come here and use it [the bookshelf] to help their young children understand bereavement a little bit more.
"Or - for families with a bereaved child - they can come here and read to their bereaved child. It might help them feel a little bit closer to them."
She added: "It is a very inclusive initiative. It is here for everyone to use, even if you don't have a loved one here."
The town council has been in charge of the cemetery, just off Bratton Road, since 2025 after it took over the responsibility from Wiltshire Council.
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