Temple Public Library shares smiles with McLane Children's Hospital

The Temple Public Library is helping to cure hospital room boredom, one children’s activity book at a time.

For two years, the library has provided resources to keep patients at Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Hospital entertained during what is a confusing and trying time for many.

“Pre-COVID we visited the hospital once a month to drop off books in their family area for families to check out and read, and we stayed for about two hours during their quiet time,” Library Outreach Coordinator Cassie Coates said. “We would provide a craft or activity and stay to demonstrate and help the kids do that craft or activity.”

Even through the COVID-19 pandemic, the staff has found ways to creatively continue offering the service.

“We are currently creating activity books and sending them over digitally,” Coates said. “This allows them to print if they need it and keeps contact limited. We have also made it part of our monthly routine to make activity book including information about borrowing from our online services.”

In December, the Library compiled special holiday packets with coloring books, crayons and other activities for patients. Lorenzo, the hospital’s canine companion, paid a visit to the library to pick up the packets.

 The Temple Public Library remains closed to walk-in services, but curbside pickup and digital services are still available. For more information, visit templelibrary.us