September 29, 2003

BIRMINGHAM, AL — People seeking help in their fight against cancer will have another tool at their service with the opening October 20 of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Resource Library. An open house will be held October 16 from 2:30-4 p.m.

The library, located at street level at 509 Richard Arrington Blvd. across from The Kirklin Clinic®, will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays. It will offer a trained staff to help use resources such as Internet access with links to cancer-specific websites, educational brochures, reference texts and current cancer-related magazines.

The Cancer Resource Library also will serve as a meeting place for support groups and cancer-related educational programs.

“The Cancer Resource Library will be an invaluable tool for patients who want to become proactive in their treatment and recovery,” said Dr. Edward Partridge, associate director for Cancer Control and Population Science at the cancer center. “A visit may be helpful to the newly diagnosed patient, or for those seeking follow-up information during or after treatment.”

Although library materials are geared toward the lay reader, patrons seeking more in-depth information will be directed to the UAB Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences.

Lydia Cheney, program manager for cancer education, said, “Our addition of a support group facilitator and a librarian with this facility allows us to enter the ranks of other top cancer centers in the nation that offer tailored information to patients and family members.”

Marilyn Day is facilitator for support groups, and Ty Howell is librarian.