Gumberg Family Library – Patient and Family Education and Information Center

The UPMC Cancer Centers Gumberg Family Library – Patient and Family Education and Information Center, at the Hillman Cancer Center, provides informational materials to cancer patients and their families, friends and caregivers.

The Center has an extensive pamphlet collection from the National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society of up-to-date information about specific types of cancer and cancer treatment that can be used to reinforce and supplement information provided to patients by members of their health care team.

In addition, the library contains books about coping and stress management, child and family concerns, nutrition, personal appearance and grief and loss. General references about specific cancers and managing side effects of treatment are available as well. All materials may be used in the Center or borrowed by patients and family members for home use. Staff includes Masters-prepared nurse educators, an oncology social worker and an administrative assistant who can help visitors locate reading or viewing materials, as well as information on support and educational groups. Volunteers are trained by the staff to help the Patient Education Program in a variety of ways.

Location

Hillman Cancer Center
William M. Cooper Pavilion, G Level
5115 Centre Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15232-1305

Hours:

8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday

Phone:

412-623-4733

Fax:

412-623-4730

The Center features bright, comfortable surroundings and is conveniently located on the ground level of Hillman Cancer Center in the William M. Cooper Pavilion. It serves as a lending library and small reading room. The Center is equipped so patients may quietly view educational videocassettes. In addition, there are a variety of musical CDs and relaxation audiotapes. CD players and audiocassette players are available for use while in the treatment areas and waiting rooms of the Hillman Cancer Center.

Computer access to cancer-related Web sites is available. Patients and family members are welcome to search for information on the World Wide Web or request a specific search from staff. Help is also available to beginners wishing to learn how to use the Internet.

Borrowing guidelines

Patient and family members are welcome to read literature or view videotapes in the Center or take them home to read. Here are a few guidelines for borrowing materials:

• You may borrow any book, video, CD or audiocassette tape in the lending collection for up to three weeks.
• When you borrow material, you will be given a postage-paid mailing envelope in which to return the item(s) to the Center, at no cost to you.
• If you would like to extend the due date of the item you borrow, please call the Center. In most cases, the due date can be extended provided that other patients or family members are not on a waiting list for the item.

Additional questions

If you would like assistance in obtaining materials from the Gumberg Family Library, or if you have questions or comments, call 412-623-4733. Remember that all services provided by the Center are free. We welcome suggestions for new materials.

The Center was established in 1992 at UPMC Montefiore before moving to the Hillman Cancer Center in 2002. It is supported, in part, by gifts and donations from patients, families and friends, community organizations, corporations and foundations. Donations are used to increase the selection of materials, upgrade equipment and improve patient services.

Directions

The Gumberg Family Library – Patient and Family Education and Information Center, is located at the Hillman Cancer Center, William M. Cooper Pavilion, 5115 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA.

To access the facility:

• Valet park at Hillman Cancer Center—Located on Centre Avenue between Cypress and Morewood Streets—and turn into the circle drive. Enter the ground level lobby atrium and go through the glass doors to your left, into the William M. Cooper Pavilion. Turn right toward the bank of elevators and the entrance to the Gumberg Family Library.
• Park at the Medical Office Building across Centre Avenue at UPMC Shadyside. Take the elevator up to the first floor. Exit to your left and go through the sliding glass doors. Follow signs for Hillman Cancer Center. Cross Shea Pedestrian Bridge that connects the first floor of the UPMC Cancer Pavilion to the first floor of Hillman Cancer Center over Centre Avenue. Pass the Café, go to your left to the William M. Cooper Pavilion elevators and down one floor to level G. Upon exiting the elevators, you will see the entrance to the Gumberg Family Library.
• View the library flyer (PDF) 494 KB
• View the patient map with directions to Hillman Cancer Center (PDF) 610 KB

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