Library is a handy resource for health matters

WEDNESDAY. JULY 11: Health can be a vast topic and although hearing that many of the life threatening diseases are preventable is good news, many of us do not know where to start to reduce our own risks.

Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre’s Lending Library is a comfortable place where you can drop-in and find reliable, current information on general health and well-being and gather information on ways to prevent diseases such as cancer.

This free Lending Library is a growing comprehensive collection of print, audiovisual and computer resources on all aspects of wellbeing, nutrition, holistic health and cancer, including: disease information, coping and support, talking with children, survivorship issues and more. In our library, you will find over 800 books, DVDs, brochures and articles and will also have ready access to the Internet. Empowering patients, families, caregivers and the public to make informed decisions and to become active partners in their health care team is an important focus  for the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre.

We invite you to stop in and meet our caring staff.  They will help you navigate our resources, and find the information you need, or help to point you in the right direction. 

In addition to the library, one of the Internet tools available to the public is the Community Service Locator.

This database provided access to a variety of support services in Bermuda which  are available to assist both individuals and their family members to cope with their cancer journey.

The Community Service Locator allows you to search for services such as: homecare, transportation to appointments, where to find a wig, support groups, or counselling. 

The Community Service Locator can be accessed from your personal computer by visiting http://www.cancer.bm/support-in-bermuda/community-service-locator.

Membership to the Library is free. You can relax with a puzzle, cup of coffee or tea, and browse through the selection. When you find a book you would like to take home it can be signed out at the Front Desk.

There is no set return policy, you are free to work through the book at your own pace and return it when you are ready. If someone else expresses and interest in the book or DVD, you may be called to ask if you are still using it at that time.

The Library is fully funded by donations from the public. Recent donations have been made by groups and families such as: The Mid-Ocean Ladies Golf Group who funded a selection of books supporting ovarian cancer and women’s health; the family of the late Richard W. Kempe made a donation to expand the pancreatic cancer section and included books which helped to support them during their journey with cancer. 

The Library also welcomes donations of gently used health related books.  If you have a book or other health related resource that you no longer need, please consider donating them so that others may benefit.  Drop your donation off at Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, you will be asked to complete a Book Donation Form so that our charity can properly thank you for your donation.

Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre’s Lending Library is open to the public from Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6pm and on select Saturdays when we are open for clinical services. Our library is located on the ground floor of our building at 46 Point Finger Road, Paget, and is fully wheel-chair accessible. Everyone is welcome and all library services are free.  People can check out books and access a wealth of free brochures and articles on local support services.  Working together, we can and will make a difference in the quality of life every person should experience, and light that path with the knowledge that hope and healing starts with all of us.