Alzheimer’s disease has personally affected millions of Americans and their families. Someone you know has likely suffered from some form of memory loss or will in the future. Whether serving as a caretaker, providing monetary support, or offering comfort and guidance to those in need, your life will be touched by Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory loss. Libraries are uniquely able to provide essential support and services to patrons living with memory loss and their caretakers. Libraries around the country use memory kit activities designed for patrons living with memory loss and to assist and support their caregivers.
After attending numerous sessions at the Wisconsin Library Association Conference related to programming for patrons with memory loss, retired patrons, and the elderly, Laurie Ollhoff, Assistant Director and Head of Adult Services, was on a mission to create Memory Kits for circulation that would enhance the Outreach Services the library provides to the Merrill community. In 2017, that opportunity came knocking when T.B. Scott Free Library was approached by members of the Merrill Aerie #584, Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary to be considered for the Golden Eagle Fund Grant in 2018. The purpose of the grant is to provide financial assistance for the development of community-oriented programs for the elderly. The Library applied for the grant to develop memory kits for circulation to Merrill area residents, and was awarded the grant in February 2018. The development of eight kits was a year-long process and are now available for checkout to Merrill area assisted living facilities and residents. Each kit has a theme with a kit activity card, hands-on materials and books. These kits provide an inter-generational opportunity for Merrill area residents. The Library hopes to continue to grow this collection into the future with many other interesting themes. You may find a list of the kits along with kit contents on the library website at http://www.tbscottlibrary.org/memorykits.