Libraries in Mental Hospitals
- Author:
Marjorie E. Roberts M.B.E. */
Member, Guild of Hospital Librarians Libraries in hospitals are now an accepted principle in this country and some others, but before they can reach perfection their establishment in mental hospitals calls for more study, for very ready co-operation by all concerned, and also for much imagination and sympathy.
One day when going into a ward of particularly distressed and depressed women, I felt compelled to speak to one who looked unbearably unhappy. I merely asked her if she liked reading. Seldom have I seen an adult’s face light up as can a child’s, when she replied, ” Oh, if you could only get me some Balzac “. Her wish was passed on to the right authority at that time. But there should not be any need to pass on such requests if libraries for mental hospitals could be adequately staffed? as they doubtless will be in due course.
The Librarian
Strange though it may seem, the right head librarian is of prior importance in these hospitals to the large number of books that have sometimes been found in them. Numbers of books count for very little; nor does the regular changing of books from the central library to the ward shelves imply a successful library organization, unless the librarian is a whole-time member of the staff, working in with his or her medical and nursing colleagues, and above all having ability to fit each book to , the patient who wants it, and, as far as possible, to obtain special requests, as well as to ensure a big enough library to suit all general tastes. Here, indeed, should be bibliotherapy worthy of the name. It is not easy to achieve, partly because its success is not dependent as much as is sometimes thought on technical training in librarianship, or great psychological experience. The slogan that ” hospital librarians are born and not made ” is intrinsically true in relation to librarianship in mental hospitals. There, the chief essential qualities are deep sympathy and understanding, linked with a wide knowledge of books of all kinds, including certain types of technical books. Given those qualities, and the co-operation of medical and nursing staffs, the library will go forward?even if books cannot be as numerous as formerly. Moreover, the true librarian will often be able to help non-readers to learn, or return to, the joys of books by patient selection, or even reading aloud; and not only that, but it will be found that the oft quoted destruction of books is not a serious trouble when the patients get the books that truly interest them.
Opinion tends to be divided regarding the strict control of types of books to be read by various kinds of patients, and the close watch on the patients’ reactions to certain of these. The line of common-sense and sympathy would seem to be to avoid creating any feeling of restriction in freedom of choice of reading by patients, and any impression that their reactions are being watched. The advice given by certain authorities that libraries in mental hospitals could include any books that their owner would not be ashamed to put in his own library, still appears sound?subject always to medical approval.
The structure and appearance of the central library The central library in a mental hospital?as distinct from the open book cases in the wards? have never been seen by the writer to better effect than in Denmark, where the one in question might well serve as a pattern for many others. The room is large, airy and bright; the woodwork and paint are light in colour, and cheerful; and the shelving round the walls is low, so that would-be readers can browse amongst the books in comfort. At one end of the library, the librarian has designed for his use a platform, complete with desk and card indexes. Here he can sit and work, and also quietly watch patients in search of books without disturbing them. At the same time he is easy of approach for those who may want advice. There was an atmosphere of peace and good cheer in this library?well stocked as it- was with books, papers and journals.
The library as a “cultural” or ” rehabilitation” centre As a counsel of perfection, there should, as soon as possible, radiate from the library administration, books, pictures for the wards (changed, and talked about at intervals), and music for, wards and hospital concerts. When this ideal is reached it will be desirable to follow one of two courses? either to appoint a librarian prepared to bear the responsibility of organizing such a cultural centre and finding the right helpers, or to regard books, pictures and music as entirely separate entities* under the control of three qualified persons each making the library the respective headquarters for co-operation and administration in cultural activities. Such a vision may seem a long way off; but surely it is worthy of thought if the comfort and healing powers, and the happiness to be derived from those forms of interest and beauty, are to be attained in fuller measure. Such a centre might also help to strengthen the growing belief that literature and art generally should be a part of the administration of every mental, as well as of general, hospitals. It will mean a carefully chosen staff, and perhaps more funds; but so long as there is for a start, a full-time paid chief organizer of the centre, suitable voluntary helpers with expenses paid could, to some extent, be found.
The link with the outside world Few people who have experience of mental hospitals, and maybe not many without that experience, can fail to realize the joy and relief to the patients of a regular link with the outside world; and as time goes on, the wish and pleasure of those in the world outside would be to strengthen the link. It is well known that there has at times been fear and shrinking from such contact. Journeying into, other lives, in fact or fancy, or into technical or artistic interests through the right books, opens up almost unlimited possibilities and, at times, great results. More sympathetic study of this matter is still needed?by medical, nursing and librarian staffs. That being so, the rather less developed study of colour and design, rhythm and melody, whether in practice, or enjoyed passively, holds much in store. Nevertheless, the powers of music over some natures can be almost too strong for well-being; and the making of pictures, even more than looking at them, is full of relief, but can also be a strain. Herein care and understanding are needed by those in charge. In conclusion, therefore, a plea is put forward for a constant study and wise planning of this cultural side of mental hospital life, and the vistas for happiness and good inherent in it.
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