Supporting People To Live Well with Dementia: A Guide for Library Services

Drawing upon extensive research conducted in UK and U.S. public libraries, research associate McNicol (Manchester Metropolitan Univ., UK; Critical Literacy for Information Professionals) offers a useful guide to understanding dementia and improving library services to better serve the growing population diagnosed with these conditions. McNicol, who has worked in libraries and helped her father live well with dementia, writes from a place of understanding and support. Beginning with a discussion of dementia and its potential impacts on library service, she looks at library design and environment; dementia-friendly reading materials (not just children’s picture books); health, social, and arts activities; digital services; community partnerships; communication and marketing; evaluation; future trends; and 10 actions for dementia-friendly libraries. McNicol notes that the population of people living with dementia (estimated at 57.4 million people in 2019) is predicted to grow to 152.8 million by 2050. Libraries can play an important role in helping these individuals live well. Whether a library is considering renovation or expansion, whether it is large or small, there are many practical steps it can take to start this important work.