New Mobile Libraries Bring Books, Literacy Resources to Methodist Hospitals in Gary and Merrillville

Methodist Hospitals is expanding access to books and promoting literacy for patients and families with the addition of two new mobile libraries at its Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) Northlake Campus in Gary and Southlake Campus in Merrillville.

The mobile libraries were made possible through a collaborative effort led by the Northwest Indiana Literacy Council, Indiana University Northwest School of Education, The Press bookstore and Legacy Foundation, bringing books directly into the hospital setting and creating another opportunity to support patients and families beyond their medical needs.

The initiative builds upon the Northwest Indiana Literacy Council’s work to bring literacy resources into healthcare environments. “Caring for our community extends far beyond the clinical care provided within our hospitals,” said Matt Doyle, President and CEO of Methodist Hospitals. We are grateful to the organizations that came together to make these resources available at both our Gary and Merrillville campuses.”

Research has demonstrated the important role reading can play in strengthening family bonds and creating a calming experience for children and caregivers. 

“Access to books can have an impact long after a hospital visit ends,” said Celina Weatherwax, Executive Director of the Methodist Hospitals Foundation. “We are fortunate to have community partners who recognize that improving health also means investing in the people and families we serve. These libraries bring learning, comfort and connection directly to our patients, and having one at each of our main campuses allows us to reach families throughout Northwest Indiana.”

Each mobile library will provide a selection of books that can be easily be borrowed by families in the NICU. By placing the resources directly within Methodist Hospitals’ Gary and Merrillville campuses, the initiative helps reduce barriers to accessing books while encouraging reading and family engagement.

Dr. Sharon Pratt, Associate Professor of Elementary and Literacy Education at Indiana University Northwest and Treasurer of the Northwest Indiana Literacy Council, said the initiative reflects the Council’s commitment to making literacy accessible where families already live, learn and receive care. “Books have the ability to provide comfort, connection and opportunity. By bringing mobile libraries directly into Methodist Hospitals, we can meet families where they are and help make reading part of their experience during their time at the hospital.”

Methodist Hospitals celebrated the new mobile libraries with ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 19 at the Northlake campus, joined by representatives from the Northwest Indiana Literacy Council, Legacy Foundation, Indiana University Northwest School of Education and other community partners.

About Methodist Hospitals Foundation

The Methodist Hospitals Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening Methodist Hospitals by connecting the generosity of donors with programs and services that advance patient care and improve the health of communities throughout Northwest Indiana.

Pictured in the attached photo, left to right:

Cierrah Frazier, RN, Methodist Hospitals

Maria Diaz, Methodist Hospitals Foundation

Cassaundra Armour-Martin, RN, manager, Women & Children, Methodist Hospitals

Frank Bradtke, AVP, Methodist Hospitals

Marla Hoyer-Lareau, RN, CNO, COO, Methodist Hospitals

Matt Doyle, President & CEO, Methodist Hospitals

Deb Carlson, Northwest Indiana Literacy Council

Ben Boche, Northwest Indiana Literacy Council

Celina Weatherwax, Executive Director, Methodist Hospitals Foundation

Dr. Sharon Pratt, Northwest Indiana Literacy Council

Erica Fizer Katsepas. Legacy Foundation

Kyla Shelton, RN, Methodist Hospitals

Alessandra Mocorro, RN, Methodist Hospitals