Methodist hospitals in Gary and Merrillville have started a new chapter by adding mobile libraries.
The healthcare system opened mobile libraries at its neonatal intensive care units at the Northlake Campus in Gary and Southlake Campus in Merrillville.
The Northwest Indiana Literacy Council, Indiana University Northwest School of Education, The Press bookstore and Legacy Foundation collaborated to expand access to books and promote literacy.
The Northwest Indiana Literacy Council has been working to bring literacy resources into healthcare environments.
“Caring for our community extends far beyond the clinical care provided within our hospitals,” said Matt Doyle, president and CEO of Methodist Hospitals. "We are grateful to the organizations that came together to make these resources available at both our Gary and Merrillville campuses.”
Studies have found reading can strengthen family bonds and calm both children and their parents.
“Access to books can have an impact long after a hospital visit ends,” said Celina Weatherwax, executive director of the Methodist Hospitals Foundation. “We are fortunate to have community partners who recognize that improving health also means investing in the people and families we serve. These libraries bring learning, comfort and connection directly to our patients, and having one at each of our main campuses allows us to reach families throughout Northwest Indiana.”
Families whose infants are receiving intensive care in the NICU units will be able to borrow from a selection of books.
“Books have the ability to provide comfort, connection and opportunity. By bringing mobile libraries directly into Methodist Hospitals, we can meet families where they are and help make reading part of their experience during their time at the hospital," said Sharon Pratt, associate professor of elementary and literacy education at Indiana University Northwest and treasurer of the Northwest Indiana Literacy Council.
