Eagle Scout donates Little Free Libraries to UofL Hospital waiting rooms

Visitors to a couple of waiting rooms at UofL Hospital now have access to an array of books courtesy of an Eagle Scout project.

Michael Siebert, 17, raised money to buy two Little Free Libraries, a nonprofit book exchange, for the waiting areas of the Center for Women and Infants and the main operating room. Siebert stocked the libraries with a variety of books for all ages and visitors are encouraged to bring a book and take one home.

“It’s a good way to promote reading for families,” Siebert said. “It gives them something to do, besides watch TV, if they’re anxious about a family member who’s at the hospital.”

Books are a great way to entertain young children who accompany parents visiting a baby in the neonatal intensive care unit, said Siebert’s mom, Miriam Fallon-Siebert, a registered nurse in the NICU at UofL Hospital. Siebert’s dad, Mark Siebert, also works at the hospital as a registered nurse in preop.

“Many times, we have babies who are in our hospital for three to four months,” Fallon-Siebert said. “Young siblings often accompany their parents, but aren't allowed to come into the NICU to prevent the spread of germs.”

The hospital’s volunteer office will manage the libraries and staff members are encouraged to donate clean books for all ages. Donations are accepted at the volunteer office in the hospital basement.