Sometimes we do something big that makes a deep and lasting impact on those we serve; other times we do something much smaller but that still can have an impact. While we cannot always go big, the small stuff can add up to so much. We have all read of the power of positive thinking, the impact of a smile, kind word or even a welcoming posture and how they can make a difference, but have you ever thought of the potential impact of something more passive, smaller than even a smile but just as easy?

Years ago I worked at an intensive inpatient program that offered much in terms of therapy but little in terms of recreation or “real world” interaction. Part of this limited contact was intentional as we were trying to restart the person’s behavioral choices so to limit interactions assisted them in reassessing what was important and what was self defeating. Part of it also reflected a lack of insight on the part of the powers that be and clinical staff. One day when walking into the group room I noticed two clients appearing very excited by a discarded newspaper that had been left in the community/lunch room that multiple programs shared. They commented to one another how great it was to “have something to read” and shared their collective impression that the program was anti newspapers or anything else from the “outside.” This got me to thinking about the program and the realization that other than therapeutic materials, we had nothing to offer our clients. Later, as my session began I asked the group of their impression of the program in regards to the “outside” and they confirmed the previous beliefs I had overheard. They discussed the lack of tv, radio, phones etc., which the supervisors would never allow. I informed them of the ability to have newspapers, books, magazines etc., brought in from visitors however. I never did understand why the hospital would not chip in for even one newspaper subscription per program. It was at this point an idea came to me.

Over the next few weeks I asked clients to contact their visitors in search of used books and other materials and went through all the books I had in search of ones to donate. I approached my supervisor and requested some seed money to start a “Reading for Recovery” program that would serve as a book depository and lending program. It was at that moment that I learned that one could in fact smile and laugh while still saying “No.” Undaunted in my endeavor I requested the use of a corner in one of the group rooms so I could start the program. We settled for a closet and a scavenged bookcase.

Over the coming days and weeks we amassed several shelves worth of books on many divergent topics. People were allowed to take the books and were asked to bring them back when they were done but we did not necessarily expect them to do so. I found that humor and sports were in great demand by the men and romance and humor were more in demand by the women of the program. Spiritual and science fiction were appreciated as well. I noticed an improvement in morale and very few hands that were empty during the short periods allowed for relaxation and rest. It seemed to have had a powerful effect on the clients and program.

Since that time I have tried to set up Reading for Recovery programs in every place I worked and have encouraged others to do the same. The books do not have to be new, they do not have to be the latest and greatest, they just have to be there and of interest to the population that you serve. My favorite type of Reading for Recovery program is the passive non-red tape type: No one has to sign in or out a book; there is no librarian, just a volunteer or two to keep the shelves loaded. I have found that many of the books eventually find their way home while some find new homes. So long as they are read, they have served their purpose.

I would love to hear what others have done in this area.

Warren Corson III (Doc Warren) is a counselor and the clinical & executive director of a community counseling agency in central CT (www.docwarren.org).