Central University donates books, assorted items to Tema General Hospital Children's Ward
The Central University Library has marked its 2026 Library Week celebration with a community outreach to the Children's Ward of the Tema General Hospital by donating books and essential supplies to support children on admission.
The initiative reflects the library’s commitment to promoting literacy, learning and well-being beyond the university campus.
As part of the visit, the team, led by the University Librarian, Francisca Yaba Asante, presented a bookshelf stocked with over 200 storybooks, a quantity of bedsheets, four pedal bins and assorted toiletries to the facility.
The team also spent time interacting with the children, reading storybooks and offering prayers, creating a warm and uplifting atmosphere within the ward.
The donation was to enhance the environment of the children’s ward while providing young patients with meaningful engagement during their stay.
The bookshelf would serve as a permanent reading resource for children receiving treatment, enabling them to stay academically engaged while also supporting their mental and emotional well-being.
Mrs Asante explained that the outreach was intentionally focused on the children’s ward to promote reading and provide comfort to young patients.
“We came purposely to the children’s unit to donate books and spend time reading with them. Reading helps to calm the mind, especially in difficult moments, and also contributes to knowledge acquisition,” she said.
Mrs Asante expressed appreciation to the management of the hospital for embracing the initiative, indicating that the facility acknowledged the importance of reading materials in helping children to relax and maintain a positive state of mind.
She further extended gratitude to the management of Central University, sponsors, library staff and the entire university community for their support in making the project a success.
She said the outreach formed part of the library’s corporate social responsibility and aligned with this year’s theme: “AI and Information Literacy: The Role of Academic Libraries”, which highlighted the evolving role of academic libraries in equipping users with the skills needed to navigate the digital and information-driven world.
As part of the week-long celebration, the library organised a webinar, bringing together experts in artificial intelligence and library science for in-depth discussions.
Other activities included student engagements across the university’s campuses, featuring training on e-resources, interactive sessions and question-and-answer forums.
Additional highlights included a “Library Loud Day” which encouraged a more relaxed and interactive library environment through games and music, and a “Library on the Lawns” event at the Christ Temple Campus in Accra.
Benefits
A paediatric nurse specialist at the hospital, Naomi Tetteh, described the gesture as unprecedented, adding that the initiative would significantly benefit children receiving care, and encouraged other organisations to emulate the gesture.
A parent, Selasi Resh-Logo, also commended the initiative, emphasising that it would promote reading among children, and encouraged parents to support their children academically, even during periods of illness.
She called for more of such engagements, stressing that the donations and interaction would have a positive impact on both children and caregivers.
