ValleyCare Health Libraries Coming to Park

By Jay Hipps, Hacienda Network Staff Writer

Library, Cancer Research Center a Valuable Public Resource

One of the best resources for health-related information is coming to Hacienda with the move of the ValleyCare Health Library and Ryan Comer Cancer Resource Center to its new home at 5698 Stoneridge Drive.

"We're excited about being in the park," says Janie Eddleman, RN, OCN, the library's director. "It will be more accessible to the community, with the additional parking and a more visible location."

The facility houses more than 4,500 books, ranging from lay literature to medical textbooks. In addition, the ValleyCare Health Library has 450 videotapes, nearly 100 audio cassettes, as well as a variety of CD-ROMs that may be checked out for use at home.

An additional feature is the Ryan Comer Cancer Resource Center, an expanded collection of materials that focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

A special children's area is also maintained, with books, anatomical models, and even Nintendo video games with health-related themes.

Doctors, Nurses, School Children

The library's mission is to provide access to the most current, easily understood health and medical information in a relaxed, supportive environment, in the hopes that this information will allow people to become more active participants in their health care. The library is used by doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals, as well as people investigating their own health-related issues.

"We take care of professional research needs as well as the people who are gathering information to send to grandmother or grandfather," says Eddleman.

The library is also popular with area students who are working on school projects.

There is no charge for use of the library's materials.

A Group Effort

In addition to Eddleman, the facility is staffed by medical librarian Cheryl Warren, MLS, and a group of over 30 volunteers from the ValleyCare Health System Auxiliary, coordinated by Leota Lee.

The library is scheduled to be in place at its new location by the end of March. Hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm on Thursday, and 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Saturday. For more information, call (925) 734-3315.

Photo: Cheryl Warren, MLS, left, and Janie Eddleman, RN, OCN, serve as the library's staff, along with a group of over 30 volunteers.

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