I understand that your current title at the Bridges Library System (Wisconsin) is Coordinator of Youth and Inclusive Services. Can you tell us more about the library system and what your position entails?
Sure! The Bridges Library System serves 24 public libraries across two counties serving a population close to 500,000. I am the youth and inclusive services consultant, which means I am a resource and support to the library staffs working in the libraries. My position includes everything from initiating a 1000 Books before Kindergarten app, to fostering school-public library partnerships, to ensuring libraries provide equal access to those of all abilities.
You are a leader of the Library Memory Project where libraries take turns hosting Memory Cafes. Please tell us what Memory Cafes are and how they are of benefit to those living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
The Library Memory Project began hosting Memory Cafes in 2015 as a way for libraries to offer social engagement opportunities to people living with early stage dementia and their family, friends or care partners. They are held one time a month for 90 minutes and facilitated by a librarian that has been trained in dementia awareness and group facilitation. The Memory Café provides a safe and engaging environment that is free of stigma and promotes interaction and socialization. Social isolation is common among those living with dementia so the memory cafes offer a place for individuals to come and enjoy the company of others that are on a similar journey.
What kind of partnerships have you developed to make these cafés successful?
We have a strong partnership with our local Alzheimer's Association chapter as well as our County Aging and Disability Resource Centers. Both organizations provide support to us, sending a staff person to act as a resource to those living with and caring for those with dementia, and helping to train library staffs. We also work with our partner organizations to provide educational programs for the general public, such as Know the 10 Signs of Alzheimer's, or Cognitive Memory Screenings which are facilitated right in the library, held in private study rooms for anonymity.
How did you become inspired to do this kind of work?
I learned about memory cafes by attending a Wisconsin Library Association Annual Conference session on memory cafes in 2013. Sitting in the audience listening to another public library explain how they went about offering memory cafes inspired me to bring these to SE Wisconsin.
Please tell us about the ways that you are helping to educate librarians and the general public about Memory Cafes.
Library staff are educated on Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia through various avenues on a continual basis: webinars, in-person trainings, and often, by taking part in dementia friendly community coalition planning. Understanding dementia as it relates to working in a library is like peeling back the layers of an onion. It takes time to become educated about the disease and to identify action steps that fit the library and community you work in.
Marketing the memory cafes is one of our top priorities because we know that our patron base is ever changing due to the progression of the disease. Our marketing strategy includes continuous marketing across social media, in print, word of mouth, and through our many partners.
What do you see as the future role for librarians in serving the growing number of people who will be living with dementia?
5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to 14 million (source: alz.org). 70% of individuals with dementia are still living in their homes, in your community. I think all library staff would benefit from dementia 101 type training as it is helpful to know the signs and available resources. It's helpful to approach every patron with patience and understanding, but it's even more critical for those living with dementia.
Is there anything else that you would like to share?
If you are interested in memory cafes, go see one. I always tell people that it just clicks when you see one and experience it for yourself. What you should know is that providing programming for those living with dementia and their care partners is important and meaningful work and you will meet some amazing people along the way.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Beth Riedner
Membership Chair/IGARD
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