How Jefferson Hospital and a Little Free Library Teamed up to Make a Difference
The Little Free Library at AHN Jefferson Hospital has been a tremendous source of comfort and joy for our patients , families , and staff over the past decade .
A Decade of Stories
How Jefferson Hospital and a Little Free Library Teamed up to Make a Difference
In the spring of 2014 , the staff at Jefferson Hills Library launched a Little Free Library at Jefferson Hospital , hoping it would become a helpful resource for patients , their families and staff . All involved were pleased with its success from the very beginning .
“ Books were flying off the shelves ; we were constantly replacing them ,” recalls Program Coordinator Jane Milner . " Visitors passing by our bookcase near the second-floor elevators often exclaimed , ' What a great idea !' We also received heartfelt notes expressing how much our books supported their loved ones during hospital stays ."
Little Free Libraries are popular in all states and around the world in businesses , parks , neighborhoods and street corners . Sometimes a few dozen books are displayed in a simple box , and some are more elaborate like the large bookcase at the hospital . However , all Little Free libraries function on the honor system . If you take a book , you are asked to return it or replace it with another book .
Now , after ten years and bi-weekly book drop-offs , the project operates smoothly , though a few adaptations were necessary for a hospital . “ Returning or replacing books in a hospital setting isn ’ t practical and seldom happens ,” says Milner . “ After discharge , many readers take the books home to finish , and that ’ s fine with us .”
But not returning or replacing borrowed books means more books are needed to run the Little Free Library . “ Books for library projects are donated by our awesome community
and the Friends of Jefferson Hills Library that gets thousands of donations for its yearly used book sale . We couldn ’ t do this without their support ,” said Milner .
In addition to patients and their families , appreciation for the Little Free Library comes from the entire hospital care team . Whether it ’ s a doctor rushing by the bookcase on the way to a quick lunch , a nurse retrieving a book for an anxious patient , a family member sitting with a loved-one for days at a time , or an office employee happy to discover the latest title by her favorite author , the Little Free Library is loved by all .
“ The Little Free Library at AHN Jefferson Hospital has been a tremendous source of comfort and joy for our patients , families , and staff over the past decade ,” says Dr . Rebecca McClaine , Chief Medical Officer at AHN Jefferson Hospital . “ The program ' s consistent delivery of books has enhanced the entire patient experience . The Little Library offers a welcome distraction and fosters a sense of community , especially for those navigating challenging times . We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Jefferson Hills Library ; their team ’ s dedication to this invaluable resource is a testament to the power of reading and its positive impact on overall well-being .”
As Dr . McClaine reflects on the past decade , she underscores the Little Free Library ' s enduring value : “ We look forward to continuing this partnership , knowing the power of a good book can uplift spirits during the toughest times .” est Jefferson Hills BOROUGH OF JEFFERSON OF HILLS HILLS LIBRARY NEWS NEWS
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The Little Free Library at AHN Jefferson Hospital has been a tremendous source of comfort and joy for our patients , families , and staff over the past decade .
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