Date: Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:09:10 -0400 From: Mimi Morris <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: RE: [Publib] Hospital Gift Shop Books Here in Dayton, we are just starting a new project called "Take It and Read". We have eight branches who are taking collections of books to "places of opportunity" where people find themselves sitting for awhile with nothing to do. We are using discards and gift books. Each book has a sticker that says: Take It and Read This book was donated by the Dayton Metro Library. You don't need to check it out, just take it with you and read! When you're done, share it with someone else, or return it to any Dayton Metro Library. Books have been placed in Laundromats, doctor's offices, barber shops, a local arts center, a local hospice, and similar spots. The Laundromat owner has asked us to refill his supply five times, and mentioned that he thinks his business has increased! Hospice featured the books in their recent newsletter, saying: "Patients and their visitors will benefit because they will be able to lose themselves, if even for a short time, in the spiritually restorative therapy gained from reading a good book". It is still relatively early to gauge effectiveness, but it seems like a winner for us and our community partners! Mimi Morris Assistant Director for Branch and Extension Services Dayton Metro Library [EMAIL PROTECTED] Laurie Mahaffey, Deputy Director Central Texas Library System, Inc. 1005 West 41st Street Austin, Texas 78756 www.ctls.net [EMAIL PROTECTED] 512-583-0704 x18 800-252-4431 x18
