COEUR d’ALENE — Each of the books in the little free library outside the Hospice of North Idaho (HONI) administrative building is a tribute from David Stephenson to his wife, Annette Eberlein. 

“It was her passion coupled with my own experience reading many books on loss, grief and heartache after her death (now nearly four years ago) that I thought a lending library dedicated to providing resources for those mourning the loss of a loved one might be especially useful,” Stephenson said. 

During her life, Annette Eberlein was a librarian with a fervor for early childhood literacy.  

She led hundreds of story time events for children during her time with the Spokane County Library District. She worked as an AmeriCorps volunteer with United Way of North Idaho to create what became their Ready for Kindergarten program.  

“She believed strongly in the power of books to not just entertain, but to change people’s lives,” Stephenson said. 

After he joined the Spouse/Partner Loss Support Group with HONI, Stephenson, volunteers and staff began brainstorming how a little free library could guide those experiencing a loss in the community. 

Because he has a background in woodworking, Stephenson took on the task of building and supporting HONI's bereavement library. 

The Grief Support Loaning Library was officially dedicated to Eberlein’s memory on the third Anniversary of Annette’s death, Aug. 18, 2025. 

“It’s a working memorial dedicated to her life and passion that she would have been proud to support,” Stephenson said. 

Selections by HONI staff include religious and non-denominational grief-support books, picture books for children that help explain grief and books for teens, parents and guardians. 

The books also include help with navigating specific losses and circumstances, as well as anticipatory grief and caregiving support.  

Bereavement Coordinator Abigail Briggs said the library came about as a collaboration to offer another free resource in addition to support groups, grief education and their children’s grief support camp, Camp Kaniksu. 

“A variety of grief books are not always available at libraries or at secondhand stores and buying a new book is not always a feasible option,” Briggs said. 

Briggs said she has always found comfort, advice and companionship through books and sees the library as another anchor for people as they process their emotions. 

“We do not always know where to turn and know what is going to help us during a difficult time, so being able to pick up a book to read on our own time, and at our own pace can be an incredible tool,” Briggs said. 

Now, books on grief are available for all ages to access at 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d'Alene.  

Stephenson said he hopes the library will make “a significant difference in people’s ability to heal and move forward in their lives while reconciling the loss within them.” 

More information: hospiceofnorthidaho.org 

    Annette Eberlein reads a book aloud to a stuffed animal at a children's event.
  

    A plaque for Annette Eberlein, by her husband, David Stephenson, shares the dedication of the little free library outside Hospice of North Idaho.
  

    Annette Eberlein and David Stephenson go on a hike at Zion National Park about 10 months before Eberlein's death.