Parents and carers often spend extended periods at RCH and need somewhere to relax, make a cup of tea, feed the baby, catch up on emails, seek information, find activities for the other kids, or just read a book. The Hub https://www.rch.org.au/frc/ is a home away from home for families and visitors to the hospital. It provides a supportive, non-clinical space with friendly and extremely knowledgeable volunteers and staff on hand to assist with any queries or to provide practical support and assistance.
The Hub was recently upgraded, and the works included a whole wall of bookshelves. Small problem – all the Hub’s books had been disposed of during covid. A good book is a great way to grab some personal time, to recharge when dealing with a stressful situation.
Amanda Battaini has volunteered at the Hub since its inception 23 years ago. Even though she had access to a wide support network and host of donors, there was a gap. How to find a reliable, ongoing supplier of books? I suggested Amanda contact Richard Chater and Carol Oxley, from Albert Park RC. Together with Carlton and Fitzroy RCs, these three operate Rotary Charity Books at The District Docklands.
Amanda with Richard and Carol
Amanda’s brief was for titles from popular fiction, well-known young adult authors, non-fiction suitable for a parent and child to explore together, and some travel and cookery books. The books had to be in very good to excellent condition. In no time at all, Carol and Richard had several boxes packed and ready for us to take.
Amanda shelves Rotary’s books at the RCH Family Hub
This first book donation is shelved and ready for visitors to the Hub. The library operates a take-a-book policy. If a user wants to keep a book, that’s fine, or they may return it during another visit. Amanda still has metres of shelf space to fill, and with constant shrinkage due to take-a-book, refreshing the library will be a never-ending story. Fortunately, Rotary Charity Books has an almost endless supply of great books.
Anthony Battaini
