Local residents recently transformed the West Hollywood Library Community Room into a vibrant hub of storytelling, connection, and sweet treats. The occasion? The library’s inaugural Death Café. Surrounded by curated books on mortality, neighbors sipped coffee, enjoyed mini cupcakes, and dove into uplifting, agenda-free conversations about life and death.
Coffee, tea, and cupcakes.
Popular books on the subject to check out at the library – When Breath Becomes Air, The Five Invitations, The Beauty of What Remains, Briefly Perfectly Human, and many more
The stories shared at the library’s cafe are now part of a thriving global movement active in 97 countries.
First conceptualized in Switzerland in 2004 by sociologist Bernard Crettaz and expanded by Jon Underwood in England, Death Cafés aim to dismantle the stigma around dying. By increasing awareness of death, these gatherings empower people to live more fully.
The movement’s massive popularity (there are approximately 24,000 registered Death Cafes) has launched additional dynamic spin-offs, including Death Over Dinner, Death Over Drafts, End-of-Life Salons, and more.
West Hollywood’s premier event was born from a wonderful collaboration between forward-thinking Library Community Manager Arpine Eloyan interested in engaging residents in conversation (and of course books!), and three passionate local end-of-life doulas, advance care planners, and educators: Catherine (Cat) Eng, Nicole Payton, and yours truly Wendy Jane Carrel. Guests told us they appreciated the luminous, peaceful atmosphere. They left asking for more.
Nicole Payton, Library Community Manageer Arpine Eloyan, Catherine Eng in the photo above.
Would you like to experience this community cafe for yourself?
You are welcome to join us for the next Death Café!
- When: Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 10:30 AM to noon
- Where: West Hollywood Library Community Room (626 N. San Vicente Blvd)
This movement has also spread to Hollywood!
On June 29, 2026, a deeply moving sister event—Café Mortality—was launched at the LGBTQ Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Senior Center.
Older Adult care colleague and geriatric social worker Michael McFadden kindly invited me to co-host. Over tea and cake in the upstairs lounge, we shared an emotionally touching afternoon with those who attended.
Below is a photo of the upstairs lounge and library at the LGBTQ Senior Center where the Cafe Mortality was held.
The next Cafe Mortality at the center will be July 27, 2026 at 1:30 pm.
For 30 years—managing senior well-being plus advocating to audiences across Ecuador, Mexico, and southern California —my mission has carried one clear and enthusiastic message: please make friends with your demise! Or as a dearly departed friend used to say, “I am contemplating my demise.” When you plan ahead, you create peace of mind for yourself, your family, and your neighbors.
Thank you to our remarkable local hosts for fostering spaces that create profound meaning and community healing with conversation.
© Wendy Jane Carrel 2026
Wendy Jane Carrel, MA, is a trusted older adult advocate and consultant who has hands-on experience with healthcare systems, Aging in Place, long-term care, palliative care coordination, and end-of-life care in Mexico, Ecuador, other nations, and the USA. She provides informed, thoughtful guidance and curated, compatible care options for individuals, families, and their loved ones. She is a speaker and published author on subjects related to senior well-being and a trauma-informed end-of-life doula. Wendy’s web site is http://www.WellnessShepherd.com.
https://deathcafe.com/what/ What is a Death Café?
Wellness Shepherd 