A library in my practice, why not?

Paediatricians, who spend much of their time with young people, understand that a child's imagination is a rich resource. Opening a book is one of the easiest ways to release a wealth of imagination. All it took was a book box and a sign in my office to teach the children and their parents in my practice about the importance of reading. I always had books in the waiting room to keep kids entertained, but shortly after starting my practice I noticed that the children would ask to borrow the books. When they would bring them back, they often brought one of their old books that they had ‘outgrown’. Soon the children could not wait to come back to borrow a book and bring one of their own for exchange. I have a long history with books. One of my earliest memories is of when I was three years old, watching my quiet, reserved father arguing with the librarian. He was upset that children couldn't get a library card until they were registered in school. He won that argument, and I won the gift of an endless supply of books from the library. We went weekly, or even more often if I could persuade my parents. First my parents read to me, then I read to myself, then we shared books and we read together. When they got older and their eyes failed, I often read to them. I can still picture my dad in his last years with Alzheimer's disease carrying around a book. Books were one of the most important things we shared as a family, so it was only natural that I would encourage parents in my practice to introduce books to their children and to enjoy reading together. I often ask my patients what they are reading. When a three-or four-year-old looks at me oddly in response to that question, I explain that I mean what book are they reading with their parents. Sometimes I ask them whether they have a library card and, if so, to show it to me the next time they come to the office. I encourage trips to the library with parents all the time. I love to explain the joys of the library to new immigrants to Canada, especially those from developing countries. My practice has always had a lot of teen moms. Recently, one asked about starting an exchange library in the drop-in centre in her neighbourhood. She asked whether she could put up a sign in my office requesting book donations because the children in her neighbourhood may not have books at home. She said that many teen moms are used to using drop-in centres but not the library and, perhaps, if we started with something convenient for them, they would start using the library regularly. Within weeks, she had lots of books. Someone even donated a bookshelf! Opening a library book exchange in your practice is such an easy thing to do. The concept is simple: the kids borrow a book from the office, and when they return it, they also bring in one of their own. The shelves are never empty. There is a big sign that reads, “Take one, read then pass it on”. The kids love to see whether someone else has taken the book that they brought in. Paediatricians can play a key role in reminding parents about the importance of reading with their children, and starting a book exchange is a great way to do it. Photograph courtesy of Health Canada Photograph courtesy of Health Canada

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