Rice Memorial Hospital - Community Health Library

What is it?

Rice Memorial Hospital’s consumer health-centered Community Health Library, which opened in October 2005, provides books, magazines, newsletters, computers with Internet access, consumer health databases for research, videos, a blood pressure machine, a small conference room with a TV/DVD/VCR player, and a relaxing atmosphere. Users can find health information, browse through health magazines, check out health care books, search health care web sites, and view health-related videos onsite. Volunteers help guide information-seekers to quality sources for health information, which is available in different languages and learning levels. All of these services are provided free to the public in a quiet, respectful healing environment.

Who is it for?

Anyone in the community who is seeking health information. The library also serves as a resource center and communication center for visitors and family members, who can access health care information as well as access the Internet for business or personal use while a loved one is in the hospital.

Why do they do it?

There is an increasing demand for timely, accurate health care information, not only from patients and their families, but also from the general public. The goal of the Community Health Library is to provide information, in print or electronically, from reputable sources that can assist in patient care, education and wellness. All of this is accomplished in a professional, welcoming environment.

Impact

Usage of the Community Health Library has remained consistent since its inception, attesting to the need for trusted health care information. The collection of books and journals has expanded over time to meet many diverse needs, such as autism, dealing with eating orders, living with diabetes, caring for another, caring for yourself, nutrition and diet....the list goes on and on.

Contact: Joyce Elkjer
Director of Human Resources
Telephone: 320-231-4201
E-mail: jelk@rice.willmar.mn.us