HAMMOND — A Tangipahoa Parish residential program for teens is asking for donations of books to help out with its newly created “library” for the girls who stay there. The Maples, located in Hammond, is a residential treatment center for teen girls with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma and/or disordered eating.
The program is generally a 60- or 90-day program for the girls who come in, said Chassity Hamilton, PLPC.
While there, the teen residents go through therapy and “activities that support structure and accountability while having an environment that promotes creativity, mindfulness, goal setting, and self-care,” according to its website.
A newer addition to the center is a library with shelves of books the girls can peruse and read.
“We wanted to make sure that we had a library that had not only books that could help them in their progress if they wanted, but also kind of give them an escape,” Hamilton said.
In addition, while residents were able to bring their own books at first, having a library of options makes reading more accessible to everyone staying.
“If they don’t have the finances or the resources–because not all the girls do–they have access to the books here while they’re here,” she added.
The library is also part of a “store” that the teens can get items from such as journals and fidget toys. Whenever they’re not doing schoolwork or therapy assignments, the girls can use these items for their free time, and the library has puzzles, bookmarks, coloring books and utensils.
In downtime, the teens do have access to a couple of TVs in common areas with approved content, too.
“But they actually prefer to read. So they go in there, and they can pick whatever book they want.”
The center was already able to purchase some books on its own and staff donated their own copies, but Hamilton put out a message on social media requesting more options for the teen readers.
“We’re looking for any type of book that would fit that 13 to 17 age range that doesn’t have any triggering content, so nothing that mentions any abuse, drugs, self harm or suicide or anything that would be triggering for any of the girls that are in here,” Hamilton said. “The girls are really into fantasy books.”
There is an Amazon Wishlist for some of the books they know the residents will want and enjoy, but Hamilton said they will accept other books, as long as they do not have the triggering content. For graphic novels donations, Hamilton said the books should be free of images/photos of blood or murder.
To donate to The Maples’ library, purchase a book from the Wishlist, mail them to or contact Hamilton at Chamilton@themaplesbr.com to set up a public meeting for drop-off.
Download the Unfiltered with Kiran app from the Apple App Store and Google Play to stay updated on the latest news across the Capital area.
Support UWK and its mission to deliver The News You Deserve. Unfiltered. Become a monthly patron on Patreon today!
