Read the full story on Independent.ie.
A shared reading book club for the elderly and those living with dementia, designed by two librarians in Cork, has fired imaginations among its members since its introduction.
Unlike a traditional book club where everyone reads the same text in advance, shared reading sees participants bring along their favourite pieces to read out, stimulating conversations in the moment.
The group, which is both age and dementia friendly, has met fortnightly since May.
The idea for the meetings began when library staff received dementia awareness training from Age Friendly Bantry as part of the national Stand Together programme.
“We decided that we weren’t going to just leave it at that, and myself and my colleague Geraldine had a series of conversations with Bantry Hospital consultant geriatrician Brian Carey and our Local Link age friendly co-ordinator to design a suitable service,” said Librarian Denis Murphy.
“We are dealing with a demographic and age group who might not be comfortable reading full books and there is no compunction on people to contribute if they don’t want to.
“It is not a prescriptive setting. We don’t know what material is coming at any meeting, and it is generally very diverse.
“We have found passages and articles from Ireland’s Own very useful for stimulating conversations, either triggering memories of the past or sparking talk of the future.
“One or two people who declared themselves shy at the start have really come out of their shell.”
The group has been highlighted as part of National Public Libraries Open Day which takes place on Saturday next, September 28, when non-members and members alike are encouraged to visit their local library to explore the myriad of free services on offer.
The shared reading group offers a really supportive and inclusive space for those with memory issues, and others, to come together over a shared love of reading, according to community worker Evie Finlay.
“It’s an excellent example of how Bantry library offers a wonderful service in the community and works collaboratively with other statutory and voluntary services to meet local needs.”
The meetings are facilitated by retired English teacher Anne O’Leary.
Members of Bantry Day Care Centre attend the sessions and they thoroughly enjoy it according to Nursing Head Christine McCarthy.
“It not only serves as a social outlet but the books chosen create an environment for reminiscence which I feel values the culture of bygone days and promotes mental wellbeing,” she said.
Jimmy Tobin from Durrus, about 10km from Bantry, regularly attends the sessions with his 82-year-old mother Bridie, who loves to prepare and share her reading material with the group.
Bridie’s passion is knitting, which she does six days a week, but come Sunday, reading takes over.
“We select our reading materials in advance and enjoy having a bit of a chat about it,” said Jimmy, a former gardener who also previously worked in a local book store.
“We both love the group, and I bring mam over from her day care services regularly.
“She loves to source pieces of interest in Ireland’s Own, but this week she is reading a piece about Bantry House from the Great Houses of Ireland book.
“It is sure to stir memories and reminiscences in the group, not least of all with myself as I used to work there.
“Thankfully mam doesn’t have dementia. The dynamic of the group is very relaxed and natural, and the staff are very caring.
“We found the group by accident and merged into it very naturally. We go every month, but over the winter, when we lose the fine days, we will be here every two weeks.”
Dr Stuart Hamilton, Head of Libraries Development for the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), said part of the remit of libraries is to provide assistance to society where it was required.
“We aim to create a habit of visiting the library among people who might not otherwise.
“Irish public libraries are important places of inclusivity within our communities.
“They provide a diverse range of resources and services to appeal to people of all abilities across society.”