Amid the demands of medical study and research, the Amesse Memorial Collection at the Strauss Health Sciences Library offers a proven remedy for stress and mental fatigue—leisure reading. Located in the first-floor Information Commons, the collection provides a thoughtfully curated selection of popular and bestselling novels, biographies, nonfiction, and magazines, giving students, faculty, and staff on the Anschutz Medical Campus a much-needed opportunity to step away from the rigors of academia.
Beyond offering a break from the demands of the medical field, the Amesse Collection, and more specifically leisure reading, can provide other significant health benefits. Research suggests that reading for pleasure can be more effective at reducing stress than listening to music or taking a walk (Lewis, 2009), making it a simple yet powerful way to mentally and emotionally recharge. Reading also strengthens neural pathways, promoting long-term cognitive health and helping to prevent cognitive decline (Wilson et al., 2013). For busy medical professionals and students, engaging with fiction fosters empathy and emotional intelligence-essential skills in patient care (Oatley, 2016) and even brief reading breaks can improve focus, alleviate burnout, and contribute to overall well-being and professional growth.
Established in 1968, the Amesse Memorial Collection honors John C. Amesse (1942–1968), an aspiring physician and devoted reader whose life was cut short before he could complete medical school. Initially composed of books from his personal library, the collection has since grown through the Amesse Memorial Fund, preserving his legacy of intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning. The collection also pays tribute to his predecessors: Dr. John W. Amesse (1874–1949), a pioneering physician who helped establish Colorado Blue Shield and Children’s Hospital Colorado, and Dr. John H. Amesse (1915–1971), a dedicated doctor and civic leader. Across three generations, the Amesse family made enduring contributions to medicine and public health, leaving a lasting impact on Colorado’s healthcare community.
Whether you need a break from studying, want to unwind with a novel, or are looking for fresh perspectives, the collection offers something for everyone. Visit the Strauss Health Sciences Library to explore how the Amesse Collection can enrich both your mind and your well-being.
** Full title: The Amesse Memorial Collection: A Place to Recharge Through Leisure Reading