Ben Taub Opens New Children’s Library

To aid in the fight against illiteracy and make hospitalization less intimidating for pediatric patients, Harris County Hospital District’s Ben Taub General Hospital has opened a new children’s library and parent resource center on the hospital’s fifth floor pediatric unit.

Houston’s own acclaimed children’s author and illustrator, Tricia Tusa, donated signed books and provided readings during the grand opening festivities.

Regular visitors to the library/ resource center include "Curious George" and "the Cat in the Hat," who will greet patients every Tuesday and Thursday from 9a.m. to noon.

"We hope to provide information that will assist parents in understanding the diagnosis and medical treatment of their children and serve as a resource for maintaining healthy children’s lifestyles," said Elizabeth Rayburn, books coordinator.

The children’s library and parent resource center is part of the BOOKS literacy advocacy program at Ben Taub. Chaired by Ben Taub pediatrician Dr. Ana Malinow, the program provides each child with a free book upon discharge from the hospital. During their stay, pediatric inpatients may check out books in English or Spanish to take to their rooms, and play computer games and access educational software on computers in the library.

Benefactors Bill Palamountain donated more than 120,000 new children’s books to the library and to the hospital’s district’s community health centers, and artist David Marsh and his company, Crazy Inc., donated the library’s handcrafted, brightly colored furniture.

E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/05_15_02/page_19.html