What is the public library's role in serving people with dementia? Faith Brautigam, Director of the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library offers some suggestions in her article "Memory Care at Your Library." Brautigam discusses two ways to serve this population -- through programming and through staff training.
The Library Memory Project in Wisconsin is one example of programming. Participating libraries host monthly gatherings, called Memory Cafés, for those with early stage dementia and a care partner. This program seeks to help dementia patients by encouraging reading, conversation, and sensory experiences.
Library staff training is also important. Brautigam mentions a project at the Chapel Hill Public Library where staff participated in special training to earn a community dementia-friendly designation that promotes understanding and respect for people who are memory impaired. The American Library Association also offers training ideas in its document "Keys to Engaging Older Adults @ Your Library."
What services for dementia patients does your public library offer?
Another Reading Opportunity: Learn about dementia-friendly libraries.
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