Handsomely furnishing the PlaneTree Health Information Center are new, custom-made bookcases, patron table, reference desk, and chairs - courtesy of a generous grant from the Cupertino Library Foundation (CLF). Rapidly filling the shelves are hundreds of grant-purchased books. Two laptops, print periodicals, and public access to consumer health databases have also been acquired with CLF funds.
     PlaneTree has provided free, in-depth, individualized health and medical information services to the public for 23 years, and deepened its collaboration with Santa Clara County Library (SCCL) five years ago. As the partnership developed, both organizations saw advantages in having PlaneTree's services housed in Cupertino's busy library. Opened in October 2011, our new PlaneTree Health Information Center receives significant, in-kind support from SCCL and Cupertino Library.
     An independent, 501(c)3 non-profit organization since 2007, PlaneTree depends on tax-deductible donations from individuals and corporations, and proceeds from the annual Showcase of Miniatures. Institutions formerly providing major support include San Jose Medical Center, which founded our library in 1987 as the second affiliate of the Planetree Alliance (see sidebar article below); The Health Trust; and Good Samaritan Hospital, which still provides rent-free space for our business office.
     A pleasant environment has always been a PlaneTree hallmark. We are grateful to the Cupertino Library Foundation for helping create a welcoming - and richly equipped - home for our health information service.

A Sticky Situation
     Going down a playground slide in the lap of an adult is not only lots of fun for toddlers - it's also surprisingly risky.