Elliot's Library

11/19/2025

Our dear friend and fellow NICU parent, Kara Reese Krause, is hosting a book drive for Elliot’s Library during her holiday photoshoots at Kara Reese Photography. All books gathered will be donated to Waukesha Memorial Hospital which is where her son received care and is our newest Elliot’s Library location. Thank you Kara for your continued support 💕

We are doing another book drive this year for Elliot's Library during our A Moment With Santa® portrait series! Drop off your donations of NEW children's/baby books at 213 South Street, Waukesha WI 53186 between 9am-4pm the following Saturdays: 11/8, 11/15, 11/22. We will deliver all the books to Waukesha Memorial Hospital after the book drive to replenish their books in the NICU :)

10/06/2025

🥁Our GRAND TOTAL for the Elliot's Library 2025 Book Drive! 🥁

Thanks to all your support and donations we received 1,178 books! These donations will help support our 6 NICU locations across Wisconsin. We couldn't have done it without all of you! Thank you so much!!

10/05/2025

We’re still counting some last minute deliveries, but stay tuned for a 2025 book drive grand total announcement tonight!

09/30/2025

Our 2025 Book Drive ends today! Thank you to all who supported us by donating, spreading the word of our book drive, sharing our posts, and a special thanks to those who shared their NICU and nurse stories, and sent such touching messages saying how you have benefited from Elliot’s Library ❤️ A few more books are coming in and we should announce our grand total soon! 📚

09/29/2025

We've been a bit quiet the past few days because we've been organizing the MANY books we've received this year! Here's a peek behind the scenes as we sort, inventory, and organize books. Thank you to Morgan Dunbar, Mary Natoli, and a few anonymous donors for your recent donations!

Any guesses what our grand total will be? Post your guess below! We're also 2 days away from the end of this year's book drive, there's still time to donate! Thank you!💜

09/27/2025

We are looking to show what happens to our donations after we deliver them to the NICU. Who better to hear from then those who help pass out the books to the littlest readers 🥰

"Elliot's books made available to our NICU, can offer incredible benefits for both our babies and their families. Reading to premature babies helps promote their cognitive and language development. Families that read to their babies strengthen the bond between them and their little ones. Especially during these stressful times. Reading provides a comforting way to connect with their premature baby. It offers, if you will, a sense of normalcy and gives them a sense of control in a stressful environment. This simple yet powerful resource supports emotional wellbeing and fosters a nurturing environment in our NICU."

-Cheryl Ordens
NICU Nurse at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital NICU

09/27/2025

Victoria gave birth at 32 weeks after her water broke due to an infection in her placenta. Her daughter Ella spent 30 days in the NICU at Marshfield Children’s Hospital. Ella received the book I Promise from Elliot’s Library. Ella’s family was able to read the book to her at her bedside which helped them bond with her and distract her parents from the stresses and reality of the NICU at that time. Victoria says: “I think it’s awesome that Elliot’s Little Library exists and donates books. I loved the nurses we had at Marshfield Children’s Hospital. They really helped my family through a rough time.”

Has your family received a book from Elliot's Library and want to share your story? Send us a message! Please consider sharing this post to help spread awareness of our cause 📚❤️

09/26/2025

Donations are still coming in! Thank you Linda Petersen, Camila and Wade Clendenning, Marilyn Lewis, Rian Rahm, Bonnie Lemmer, The Michels Family, and a handful of anonymous donors!

4 days left in our 2025 Book Drive! Click the links in the comments below if you would like to donate ❤️📚

09/26/2025

We are looking to show what happens to our donations after we deliver them to the NICU. Who better to hear from then those who help pass out the books to the littlest readers 🥰

"I love seeing the families sit at the bed sides at night and read to their baby/babies. The love for reading can start at an early age and this is a great way to start."

-Marissa
NICU Nurse at Marshfield Children's Hospital NICU

09/26/2025

Emily’s son Maximilian was born at just 28 weeks gestation and suffered with severe lung disease. He spent 117 days in the NICU at Marshfield Children’s Hospital. Emily was gifted a book to keep from Elliot’s Library and also benefited from Elliot’s Little Book Nook during their lengthy stay.

“There were several periods of time during his NICU stay he was so critical that reading was all I could do to be there for him. Knowing we weren't alone, hearing Elliot's story, and being given the gift of this way to bond with and comfort my child when everything else was up in the air was invaluable.”

Has your family received a book from Elliot's Library and want to share your story? Send us a message! Please consider sharing this post to help spread awareness of our cause 💜

09/25/2025

We are looking to show what happens to our donations after we deliver them to the NICU. Who better to hear from then those who help pass out the books to the littlest readers 🥰

"The families that receive the books are so grateful. I love sharing Elliot's story on the back as it always seems to give them hope! I really enjoy reading the books to the babies too when family is unable to visit."

-Samantha Mathwich
NICU Nurse at Marshfield Children's Hospital NICU

09/25/2025

Mya spent 13 days in the Marshfield Children’s NICU with her parents Brooke and Brandon by her side. Mya’s mom is an avid reader and enjoyed the special bond reading created with her daughter:

“I was able to share my love of reading with her and it also provided a way for her to hear our voices to bring that sense of calmness and comfort to her when we felt helpless.”

Mya received the book “I Love You Like No Otter” from Elliot’s Library. Reading to Mya was a nice way to shut out the frequent beeps and other sounds of the NICU and have special time together.

Has your family received a book from Elliot's Library and want to share your story? Send us a message! Please consider sharing this post to help spread awareness of our cause 💜