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Valley View unveils improved medical library

Donna Gray
Post Independent Staff
Special to the Post Independent/Valley View Hospital
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Valley View Hospital has unveiled what has been up to this time something of a secret treasure. The newly located and renamed Connie Delaney Health Medical Library is now open in the lobby of the old wing of the hospital.

The family of longtime hospital volunteer Connie Delaney, who passed away in 2004, donated the funds to furnish and move the library from its original location at 2001 Blake, across the street from the hospital, said librarian Laura Hickerson.

Now occupying the former site of the gift shop, the library is lit by picture windows on two sides and features comfortable reading chairs and two computers for online searches. It also contains 1,000 volumes of medical literature covering a variety of topics.



There are general reference encyclopedias, anatomy books, and books on specific topics such as cancer, Hickerson said, all of which are written for general readers.

The library also has a selection of clinical reference works.



Hickerson hopes to expand the library to 1,500 volumes, “if we have the room. … We want not only to serve the clinicians’ (medical practitioners’) needs, but some people have also requested clinical-level reading.”

Besides materials dealing with diseases and medical conditions, the library also has a selection of books on wellness, nutrition, fitness and sports medicine, and alternative and complementary medicine.

Hickerson said the library should appeal to people who are taking charge of their illnesses or conditions.

“When people participate in their healing it empowers them,” she said.

Anyone is welcome to use the library, and books can be checked out for two weeks. It’s also easy to renew, just call the library at 384-6950.

The library offers periodicals such as medical journals and popular publications and videos on health topics.

There are also a few books for kids with titles such as “Goldilocks Has the Chickenpox.”

Hickerson said all materials conform to the library’s collections policy. In order to be added to the collection, “we find a review by a professional library or medical publication or we find the credentials of the author” or if it’s from a publishing house with a good reputation.

“It’s kind of a challenge, especially the Spanish titles,” she added.

Hickerson has been the librarian for three years and previously was a science teacher at Roaring Fork High School in Carbondale.

Even more resources are accessible online. Two library computers are available for searching the Internet or Hickerson will put together an information packet on any topic.

All services of the library are free of charge.

Library hours are Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday from noon to 4 p.m.

“It’s just a great resource,” Hickerson said. “I just wish more people knew about it.”

Contact Donna Gray: 945-8515, ext. 510

dgray@postindependent.com


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