By Susan Fisher, Public Relations Supervisor, Muncie Public Library—
MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Public Library (MPL) is introducing two new program series and both partner with LifeStream Services, Inc. to deliver helpful and educational benefits to senior citizens in the community.
“More to Know” is a new program series at Kennedy Library. Every Monday at 10am, the program will feature either a guest speaker on topics such as arts and culture, history, current events, health and wellness, and other topics or will feature “Puzzle Hour” with puzzles and game activities. LifeStream will provide healthy refreshments at the events and resource information about LifeStream will be available.
Laura Janiga, Adult Services Supervisor at Kennedy Library, hopes the series will serve two important purposes for seniors. “Older adults and seniors who value lifelong learning and who are looking for commitment-free options for getting out among others will especially enjoy these programs. People can come to one or come to all as their schedules allow,” she said. She noted that many baby boomers are at or nearing retirement age. “This can be a significant life change to navigate, leaving many feeling lonely or isolated. Having some fun learning from guest speakers or solving puzzles at library programs can be a very accessible way to look after their well-being,” she said.
Maring-Hunt Library is also adding a new program series aimed at senior citizens, particularly those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia issues and their caregivers. “Tales and Travel: A Memory Care Program,” will take place on the first Thursday of each month beginning in March. Participants will “visit” locations around the world through stories, books, music, and more. Meanwhile, their caregivers can attend the programming with them or can meet with other caregivers in a different library area. The area will be hosted by a LifeStream representative who can offer support and resource information.
Memory Caregiver Kits are available for check out at Kennedy and Maring-Hunt Libraries. Photo by Spenser Querry, Muncie Public Library.
Kelly Batchelor, Adult Services Supervisor at Maring-Hunt Library, says the goals of the program are two-fold. “The program is designed to provide services directly to people living with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias to support their memory and to provide social engagement, while at the same time, providing respite and support to caregivers,” she said.
MPL and LifeStream also currently work together to provide Memory Caregiver Kits that can be checked out with a library card at Maring-Hunt and Kennedy Libraries. The kits have fun and helpful activities for the caregiver and their loved ones who have memory loss issues. For a limited time, the kits have free games and activity items that the borrower can keep and a short survey that can be completed to earn a free gift card valued at $10.
All programs at MPL are free and open to the public. A library card is never required to attend MPL activities. For more information about any of the programs and services at MPL, visit the library website at www.munciepubliclibrary.org or call the MPL PR Department at (765) 741-7336.
