Manheim Township Public Library Launches Cancer Survivorship Collection for Patients and Community Members Alike

The Survivorship Collection at Manheim Township Public Library features a variety of books specifically chosen to support individuals who have faced cancer. Discovering Hope Through Books
Dr. Sara Marian Lucking, a resident of Manheim Township, found solace and support within the pages of books when she was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in 2022. Lucking shares that titles like "Peace in the Face of Cancer" by Lynn Eib and "How Not to Die" by Michael Greger provided her with hope and guidance during her battle with the disease. The Library's Initiative
In a joint effort with Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health’s Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, the Manheim Township Public Library unveiled its Cancer Survivorship Collection on June 26. The collection aims to offer resources that educate, motivate, and comfort not only cancer patients but the wider community as well. Creating a Supportive Community
Marianette Calon-Muñoz, a nurse practitioner at the cancer institute, notes that the idea for the collection stemmed from the positive impact books had on previous cancer patients. Understanding the need for resources beyond medical guidance, the library and the cancer institute collaborated to curate a collection that focuses on the human side of the cancer journey. Encouraging Engagement
The curated collection features a diverse range of genres, from cookbooks to spirituality books to memoirs. With an intentional avoidance of medical jargon, the books aim to spark meaningful conversations and provide a form of support that goes beyond clinical advice. Promoting Universal Support
Although the collection is tailored for cancer patients, the hope is that these books will resonate with all readers, regardless of their personal experiences with the disease. Rennae Newman, a grant writer and fundraiser for the library, highlights the universal impact of cancer and the importance of finding support in unexpected places. Looking Ahead
The Survivorship Collection will be available for viewing throughout July, with plans to continually expand and diversify the offerings. Both Lucking and Calon-Muñoz emphasize the importance of holistic support for cancer patients, beyond just medical interventions. With a shared commitment to enhancing the well-being of individuals touched by cancer, the partnership between the library and the cancer institute aims to write more chapters in their collaborative story.