Erin Crockett, Library Director, Carroll County Library, Huntingdon, TN (Population served: 4,433) Big Talk From Small Libraries 2024 February 23, 2024 http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/bigtalk

1. Presented by:
Erin Crockett
Director of the Carroll County Library
MEMORY
CAFES

2. What is a
memory cafe?
Memory Cafés offer a safe, comfortable environment for
caregivers and their loved ones living with memory loss and
other cognitive changes, such as Alzheimer’s Disease,
dementia, or Mild Cognitive Impairment, to socialize and
connect with others in the same or similar situations; to find
support and understanding.
Definition
Attending a Memory Café and talking with like-minded
people can trigger mental stimulation while providing an
informative and friendly space to share experiences with
navigating their situations, especially in the early stages.
These gatherings are not designed to be respite care or a
“drop off” service. Instead, caregivers and their loved ones
are given the opportunity to participate in and enjoy the
offered activities and socialization together. Memory Cafés
help ease the loneliness and social isolation caregivers and
their loved ones sometimes feel because of their situations
Why host one?

3. Things we
learned
Be flexible with time, plans,
and expectations
01
Keep going.
02
Look for multiple uses.
03
Be conscious of your attire.
04
Listen to your patrons.
05

4. Do’s and Dont’s
Nice things to have:
Must haves: Do not purchase:
Puzzles
Bluetooth Speaker
Therapy Putty
Watercolor Pages
Watercolors & Paint Brushes
Polyester Tablecloths
Untippable Paint Cups
Sentimental Snacks
Water Bottles
Wood Easels
Plastic Vase
Fake Flowers
Sensory Blankets
Books on Dementia/Alzheimer’s
Picture Books meant for
Memory Loss Patients
Flameless Candles
Sugary Drinks
Cheap Cart from Amazon
Large amount of staff

5. Q & A
Carroll County Library
carrollcountylibrary.net
director@carrollcountylibrary.net
625 High St, Suite 102
Huntingdon, TN 38344
Erin Crockett