Tulare County Library Offers Three 'Before I Die' Programs

Tulare County Library, along with the California Center for the Book, will present "Before I Die," a Book to Action program series, at the Visalia Branch Library. The series is based on the book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson.

Programs feature open dialogue on topics related to death and dying, and ways to prepare and overcome to find fulfillment. The series includes a book discussion group, guest speakers and programs that provide ideas on creating wills and cleaning up the past and the things that may wear a person down to make room for more life, happiness, and joy.

Attendees at the Visalia Branch Library will be invited to complete the sentence, "Before I die I want to..." to express those things that one never accomplished, while there is still time to fulfill in life.

On March 5 from 6:30-7:30 p.m., the First Tuesday Book Club will discuss The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. What do you have around your home that is taking up space in your emotional and physical wellbeing? What are you hanging onto that your family will have to clean up?

On March 16 from 1-3 p.m. a presentation on "Advanced Health Care Directives and Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment" will be given by Jill McCarthy from Hinds Hospice. This program will cover health care options for endof- life treatment and planning.

On March 30 from 1-3 p.m., the library will present Death Café with Jonathan Waltmire, featuring cake and snacks, as participants have an open dialogue about death and dying.

The Book to Action program comes to the Tulare County Library in part by the California Center of the Book, a program of the California Library Association and supported by the U.S. Institution of Museum and Library Services, and under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act in California administered by the California State Librarian.

The Visalia Branch is located in downtown Visalia at 200 W. Oak Ave. For more information, visit http://www.tularecountylibrary.org.