TC Library Raises Cancer Awareness
By Bailey Vega
Library technicians Mary Decker (left) and Miranda Tofte (right) in front of the display
The Taft College library is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month with their newest display which features information and books relating to cancer as well as a special wall of honor to recognize those who have survived cancer and those who have lost their lives to the disease. The library’s focus for the display is to raise awareness about all types of cancer with a main emphasis on breast cancer.
Books on display
Handouts and pamphlets on breast cancer
Though the books surrounding the bottom of the display all pertain to cancer, they are diverse in genre and offer many different approaches and insights for acquiring knowledge about the topic or for facing the disease. The various types of books on exhibit include cookbooks for cancer patients, memoirs and informational/inspirational books based on personal perspectives, and educational guides about cancer and health. Any of the books can be checked out from the library and taken home for further learning. Free handouts and pamphlets about early detection and other facts on breast cancer are also available to patrons. Additional information about breast cancer from the American Cancer Society website is also posted on the display board alongside the honor wall.
Wall of Honor
This is the first time that the library has put together this particular display, and the first time they have incorporated an honor wall, an idea that was suggested by the head librarian Terri Smith. The wall is meant “to incorporate participation from students and staff,” said library technician Mary Decker. It is being covered with pink and purple paper butterflies with each butterfly containing the name of a person who was affected with cancer, the words “In Memory” or “Survivor,” and the date of the person’s passing if the butterfly is in memory of him or her.
Butterflies on the honor wall.
The pink butterflies are for those who were affected by breast cancer and the purple are for those who faced another type of cancer. So far there are over 30 butterflies on the honor wall including ones that remember the battles of the loved ones of Decker and library assistant Miranda Tofte. Anyone who would like a butterfly posted in memory or in honor of someone may visit the display to handwrite the information on a butterfly and attach it to the wall or may come to the circulation desk in the library to have the information printed on one. You can also email the following information to library@taftcollege.edu, and the library staff will gladly print and post a butterfly for you:
- Is the person a Survivor or is this in Memory of them?
- Do they have or did they pass away from breast cancer or a different form of cancer?
- First and last name of the person being honored.
- If this is in Memory of them please include the date of their passing.