People in the early stages of dementia are connecting with their memories and experiences through an innovative reading group at NPDC’s Puke Ariki Library.

The group for people with early-onset dementia and other neurogenerative conditions uses an approach which sees librarians reading aloud selected passages, poems and short stories, followed by thoughtful discussion guided by librarians Louanne Rielly and Sarah Ede.

“It's loosely termed a book group,” says Puke Ariki Librarian Louanne Rielly. “The essence of the group is about engaging with literature, no matter your capabilities.”

“We pick a topic and find mini short stories, poems, or articles off the internet or from magazines and put them together,” explains Louanne. “The point is to connect members with stories from their lives or experiences they can share, to encourage participation and engagement with the group verbally.”

Research published in the New Zealand Library & Information Management Journal in 2017 has found that reading offers significant benefits for people with neurological conditions.

Dr. Sally Rimkeit's study revealed that reading "may improve the health and wellbeing for people with dementia. Not only did lone and shared reading evoke memories, but reading facilitated social connection, self-expression and feelings of personhood".

The group has evolved since its inception in 2020, with librarians Louanne, Sarah, and Linley Wellington developing specialised materials around central themes like poetry, travel, gardens, food, and nostalgia.

"Whatever it is that we're reading, we can stop after a few paragraphs and talk about something relative to what we've just read," says Louanne. "Everyone is different, and you don't have to read anything to be there. We are reading together, but there's no pressure."

Alzheimer’s Taranaki supported the creation of the group with community advisors encouraging members from their day respite programmes to attend. The collaboration is a great example of the benefits of community organisations working together to create inclusive spaces for people with a diverse variety of needs.

The dementia-friendly book group is one of many book groups hosted at Puke Ariki and its community libraries each month, reflecting the library's commitment to making literature accessible to all members of the community. Sessions are held regularly in a comfortable, accessible space in the library on Ariki Street. No prior reading or participation is required to participate.

If you have a family member experiencing early-onset dementia or Alzheimer’s, who might benefit from joining this welcoming group, please contact Puke Ariki Library.

Fast Facts

• Puke Ariki libraries service the region’s readers from the central Puke Ariki location, community libraries in Bell Block, Inglewood, Ōākura, Waitara, Urenui; and the Mobile Library Te Waka Pukapuka.
• Opened in 2003, Puke Ariki is the world’s first purpose-built, fully integrated museum, library and visitor information centre.
• Te Pua Wānanga O Taranaki/Taranaki Research Centre is also housed at the site.

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