Eight Wisconsin public libraries have formed a partnership to provide programs for people with dementia. It’s called the Library Memory Project. Their main activity is to host twice monthly “memory cafes” for people with early stage dementia and a care partner.
Each semi-monthly gathering has a theme, often designed to spark memories of earlier times. Some examples:
Independence Day. Participants gathered at the Hartland Library to sing favorite patriotic songs, test their knowledge of Independence Day and U.S. history, and enjoy cake with old and new friends.
Tie-dye. Franklin Library hosted a gathering where participants made tie-died socks, tried 60s trivia, and sang oldies.
Streets of Old Milwaukee. A speaker joined the group at Muskego Public Library to give a talk and show artifacts from the Milwaukee Public Museum.
These Wisconsin libraries are committed to serving the population with dementia. In addition to the memory cafes, they also regularly host programs for the general public about brain health and brain fitness. The Library Memory Project was named Outstanding Organization of the Year by the Alzheimer’s Association, Wisconsin Network.
Good work!
Another Reading Opportunity: Learn about dementia-friendly libraries.
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