New collection meant to spark memories
TCPL mobile services supervisor Lacy Bartley and technical services supervisor Melissa Dean showcase a garden-themed memory kit.
The Tuscarawas County Main Library is launching a new collection meant to spark memories and start conversations of days gone by.
Memory kits are bundles of library materials, containing books, puzzles, movies, music, smelling jars and other sensory activities centered around a theme. The library currently has six memory kits on its shelf including fishing, sewing, gardening, classic cars, classic Hollywood and baking.
“These kits are useful for individuals, caregivers and activity directors to use with individuals who have memory loss or who simply want to spend time reminiscing with family or a group,” technical supervisor Melissa Dean said. “The kits are really fun; we found ourselves reminiscing and sharing stories with one another while preparing them.”
According to Dean, each kit includes items to help maintain dexterity, improve relaxation and provoke conversations. The gardening kit, for example, contains a book, reusable water painting, a DVD of “The Secret Garden,” music, smelling jars, seed envelopes, garden gloves and a blossom-themed memory game.
While the kits are available for library customers to check out, the library’s mobile services staff also will utilize them when conducting programs in the area nursing homes and senior living facilities they visit.
In addition to memory kits, the county library checks out a variety of things that may be of further interest including games, brain and memory game Launchpads, book page magnifiers, and fidget quilts. Fidget quilts are lap quilts that give one’s hands something to do and are great for little kids or individuals with memory loss.
People can reserve kits online or in person to pick up at any of the Tuscarawas County Public Library System locations in Bolivar, New Philadelphia, Strasburg, Sugarcreek and Tuscarawas. Visit www.tusclibrary.org or call 330-364-4474.