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Tag: Western State Hospital Library

When the going gets tough, the tough get creative

When the going gets tough, the tough get creative

Kathleen Benoun, long time Library Associate at the Western State Hospital library, had an idea. For over thirty years Kathleen has delivered excellent service to the hospital patients.  In the past Kathleen used to take the library to the patrons, presenting programs ranging from trivia contests to poetry reading. However over the time that she has worked at the Hospital library, like librarians across the nation, Kathleen has had to learn to do more with less.  As the solo librarian…

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Hail to Halloween fun @ Western State Hospital. Staff and patients dress up and party the day away! There are games, treats, and quieter fare.

Hail to Halloween fun @ Western State Hospital. Staff and patients dress up and party the day away! There are games, treats, and quieter fare.

In times past, I have told tales on wards and the treatment centers for Halloween and Christmas.  So I was delighted to be invited back this year!  In a quiet room surrounded by giant bean-bag chairs, I told stories old and new.  My first story was a hit.  “Overdue Fines” by Edo van Belkom is a cautionary tale of a vengeful librarian who resorts to black magic to punish those who chronically abuse their borrowing privileges.  Unfortunately, she forgot to include…

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Western State Hospital Library takes a look at history

Western State Hospital Library takes a look at history

Kathleen Benoun at Western State Hospital Library has done it again.  Not only does she keep the patients and staff happy in the library— her love of history has drawn her to help create the historical museum on the grounds of Washington State Hospital.  Now that love of history and the library has combined to bring a great program to the hospital treatment centers.  This program is a great addition to the library services at Western State Hospital.  Check out the attached flyer to…

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Small Hunch Pays Big Results!

Small Hunch Pays Big Results!

Some months ago, two ILS staff decided to write to some publishers of mental health resources and ask them about the possibility of receiving donated materials.  National Recovery Month is every September and their collections were sadly depleted from the demand for such materials.  They hoped that one or two of the companies might respond with an offer of a few donations.  Much to their amazement and profound appreciation three companies responded within weeks of the letters being sent. Hazelden and New Harbinger…

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