Waikato District’s six public libraries are now certified Dementia Friendly, thanks to one library coordinator who wanted to make a difference.
Ngaaruawaahia Library coordinator Cheryl Maskell first noticed some of her regular visitors having trouble with the library system a few years ago. Late fees were stacking up for regulars who were misplacing book after book.
Maskell began to make small changes at first.
“I had an arrangement with one couple where they were able to take books from the sale trolley. That way, it didn’t matter if the books didn’t come back,” she said.
“But I started to notice the same problems more and more.”
Finally she reached out to Dementia NZ, to find out if they could help. When the organisation sent someone down to check out the Waikato District Libraries, Maskell learned about Dementia Friendly Libraries.
“So it’s an official label that a library earns after following all the steps in the criteria,” Maskell said.
“We gathered commitment letters from our five library coordinators, which stated that all 60 of our staff would undergo online training. We worked hard for about a year.”
The libraries’ staff learned about handling different situations involving visitors with dementia, and slowly found ways to make small changes in the libraries. New dementia kits with colouring and craft activities were put out for visitors.
“It went to the committee, and we got everything in the criteria absolutely right.”
After it’s signed off by Demtentia NZ’s new CEO, the certificate will last for two years, after which the libraries will reapply.
Maskell is proud to have created a safer space for all her regulars. Her own mum has dementia, and is in care in Hamilton.
“She’s never been super aware of her own dementia. When I told her about what we were doing at the libraries she said ‘oh, that will be great for people with dementia’.”
“I got her one of the paint-by-numbers from the dementia kits, but she was not into it.”
The work continues after gaining the certification. In September for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the libraries participated in Move for Dementia, raising $1,500.
Going forward, two of the six libraries will have a designated dementia space, including books with large print, craft activities, and comfortable chairs.
by Sarah Morcom
