gchildress@heraldsun.com; 918-1046
CHAPEL HILL -- Got children's books?
The Book Fairy, an organization that donates children's books to the Pediatric Oncology Clinic at UNC Hospitals, sure could use them.
The group launched a book drive on the UNC campus Nov. 9, and so far has collected 146 books. The drive ends on Dec. 10, and the organizers hope to receive many more donations at the various dropoff sites throughout the campus.
Several UNC departments and organizations, including the University Library Diversity Committee, the Health Sciences Library, the School of Information and Library Science, the School of Education, and the School of Social Work, are sponsoring the drive on behalf of the Book Fairy.
"This is an example of the UNC community coming together to make a difference," said Rebecca Vargha, a book drive organizer and head librarian at the School of Information and Library Science at UNC.
The organizers are looking for new or gently used books for ages 1 through mid-teen. There is an especially great need for Spanish-language books at the preschool level and picture books or easy readers in English.
In addition, Vargha said Bulls Head Bookshop will give a discount to patrons who buy children's books and mention Book Fairy.
Vargha said the book drive is an extension of one that began during the N.C. Literary Festival hosted by UNC in September, during which 600 books were collected. Festival-goers were encouraged to bring used or new children books to the event's Children's Activity Tent to donate to the Book Fairy.
"People were generous and receptive to the idea," Vargha said.
The Book Fairy was created by Kathy Humphries, whose son Karl died in March 2007 after losing his fight with cancer. Because Karl was a big reader, and reading helped him to leave his cares behind, Humphries thought it would be a good idea to supply the cancer clinic with books.
"The situation they find themselves in is very stressful," Humphries said. "The books give them a way to escape all of that. Reading is just a wonderful way for them to fight the battle they have to fight."
Stuart Gold, head of pediatric oncology and hematology at UNC Children's Hospital, said he didn't think the children initially would choose books over the toys that are available at the clinic.
"It really has become a focal point of the clinic," Gold said of the books. "It's a nice addition that makes a difficult time more enjoyable."
But not only do the children get to enjoy the books at the clinic, they can also take them home. And so, too, can their siblings, who can sometimes feel as though they aren't getting enough attention when a family is dealing with a sick child.
