Next week the West Tisbury library will first the Island’s first Death Cafe, a comfortable atmosphere for a respectful, thought-provoking and life-affirming conversation about death, dying, and bereavement.

The free event takes place on Oct. 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome.

The program will be hosted by Cape Cod Death Cafe cofounder Heather Massey. Death Cafes are an international movement to encourage people to talk about the taboo subject of death. The concept started with Swiss sociologist Bernard Crettaz, who held Cafe Mortel events in Switzerland starting in 2004. The idea spread throughout Europe and now other countries.

The event is a group-directed discussion about death with no agenda, objective, themes, or religious affiliation. It is not a grief support or counseling session.

For more information visit deathcafe.com or contact Ann Quigley at West Tisbury library, 508-693-3366 or aquigley.clamsnet.org.