CANCELED -- Drop in program: Memory Care binders

The Library is hosting a drop-in program on Saturday, January 13^th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm in the Millie Knee Classroom to help find images to put into memory care binders. Betsy, our Outreach Coordinator, uses these for visits to several facilities and has also created some that facilities keep in their own collections. Over 66,000 Iowans aged 65 and older have Alzheimer's Disease, and this number is expected to increase. People with dementia often experience a decline in their cognitive abilities, which can make it difficult for them to enjoy the things they used to love. One way to help people with dementia stay engaged and connected is to provide them with materials containing uplifting pictures with simple text.  These pictures may spark a memory or allow a resident to find comfort in looking at something peaceful. Patrons of all ages are welcome to come in and page through magazines to find pictures (we’ll have specific categories) that can be put into these binders.

 The Library is closed on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (January 15, 2024), so we are hosting this drop-in program ahead of time. The Day of Service is the only federal holiday that is also designated by Congress as a national day of service, where Americans can provide meaningful change in their communities. Service can empower individuals to bridge barriers, create solutions and strengthen communities and moves us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community. Coretta Scott King said, “The greatest birthday gift my husband could receive is if people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds celebrated the holiday by performing individual acts of kindness through service to others.”