Our Library and Resources
We have many books on diagnosis, treatment, and
coping with cancer as well as Macmillan brochures.
Welcome from the Librarians!
Our library is available for all:
patients, carers, volunteers, peer supporters, counsellors, therapists and more.
Given the current health situation, if you would like access to any of our collection please contact us at library@cancersupport.ch. We are available to help you.
Irene Bertrand and Sandra Oakley, ESCA CS librarians
Our Catalogue
We have a collection of some 300 books in English at the Drop-in Centre to cater to the needs and interests of those touched by cancer. Books cover a variety of subjects and are arranged on the shelves by the broad subject categories listed below.
There are two lists to help you find individual titles: one is arranged by the subject and the other by the author. We also have books for children as well as a small collection of DVDs.
Come to the library to browse and borrow any one of them (see library procedures). Please feel free to recommend any titles you would like added to the library. If you are interested in reviewing any of these titles, please contact either Irene Bertrand or Sandra Oakley at library@cancersupport.ch.
Book categories:
- General Health
- Types of Cancer
- Nutrition, Holistic and Complementary Therapies
- Self-help
- Coping with Cancer
- Care and Families
- Grieving and Bereavement
- Life Journeys
- Spirituality
Book Descriptions and Reviews
Several book reviews written by members are available online for you to enjoy. As well as information from our librarians regarding new books which they have added to our library at the centre. If there is a particular book you are looking for, don’t hesitate to contact the librarians at library@cancersupport.ch.
Online Resources
We’ve also compiled an Online Resource list of reliable and up-to-date cancer information websites for patients, families and carers below.
Among the various resources that we offer, we have translated into English and made freely available a guide, from the Hôpitaux Universitaires Genève (HUG), that provides patients, friends and family assistance during chemotherapy treatment.
We have a comprehensive collection of Macmillan Cancer Support booklets, available to be checked out and used for reference. They provide a wealth of information on cancer types and treatment, for patients and their families. They can also be downloaded from their website: be.macmillan.org.uk
Check out our podcast recommendations.
Please contact the librarians at library@cancersupport.ch if you have a recommendation to share.
The Oncolexic is an English-French phrasebook developed specifically to help cancer patients whose first language is not French to discuss their cancer treatment with their healthcare providers.
Our Newsletters
We send monthly e-newsletters full of information about our services, activities, upcoming events and those of related organisations.
Library Procedures
Books may be borrowed for an initial period of six weeks. On request, loans may be renewed for a further period of six weeks by sending an email to library@cancersupport.ch. Four books and/or Macmillan brochures may be borrowed at one time.
Borrowing Library Books
(1) Take the library card from the back of the book and enter name, date and telephone number.
(2) File the card in alphabetical order by name of author in the small file box marked LIBRARY BOOKS on loan.
Returning Library Books
(1) Take the library card from the small file box and cross out the name.
Return the card to the back of the book.
(2) Shelve the book according to the catalogue number or, if unsure, leave it on the table to be processed and shelved by one of the librarians.