ORANJESTAD – Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH) is now home to an expanded book collection, thanks to a collaboration with Biblioteca Nacional Aruba (BNA). The initiative aims to bring comfort and mental stimulation to patients, visitors, and hospital staff alike through the power of reading.
The collection is accessible to everyone—whether you’re a patient looking to pass time, a visitor waiting for an appointment, or a staff member enjoying a break. This effort has been made possible through generous donations, with BNA contributing a significant portion of the books.
The project was spearheaded by Mark Veenendaal from the hospital’s Radiology Department. Working closely with a librarian, he established a cozy “book corner” near the chapel by the radiology department. According to Mark, offering books to patients is not just about entertainment—it’s about providing an “escape” during what can be stressful or uncomfortable hospital stays.
“Reading helps the time pass faster and stimulates the mind,” he shared. Even patients who can’t leave their rooms can ask a nurse or staff member to bring them a book.
The reading nook functions as a ‘ruilbibliotheek’ (book swap library), encouraging people to borrow, return, and even donate books. This self-sustaining model keeps the collection fresh and diverse, offering options for both children and adults, including magazines and novels.
Horacio Oduber Hospital is proud to see the continuation of this meaningful service, and hopes every visitor, patient, and staff member can enjoy the calm and enrichment a good book can offer.
