Reimagining Libraries as Dementia-friendly Hub

NARRATE-D is a Creative Europe project that aims to develop an innovative methodology, in order to transform libraries and bookshops into dementia-friendly cultural spaces that promote inclusion, well-being, and active participation. Through storytelling, literature-based & inclusive activities, cultural co-creation, and innovative approaches, the project seeks to improve the quality of life of people living with dementia and their caregivers, while fostering greater awareness and understanding within local communities. By bridging culture, care, and community engagement, NARRATE-D supports libraries and bookshops in becoming welcoming spaces where everyone can participate, connect and belong. The NARRATE-D project has a duration of 24 months.

Objectives

• Develop an Innovative Methodology for transforming libraries and bookshops into dementia-friendly environments that offer inclusive cultural experiences and non-pharmaceutical therapies focusing on cognitive stimulation, emotional support, and social inclusion.
• Create a Digital Gamified Toolkit for libraries and bookshops staff or/and cultural workers that includes the methodology, resources, instructional materials, and videos to promote a replicable model of dementia-friendly libraries applicable across Europe.
• Build the capacity of library staff and cultural workers to design and deliver dementia-friendly services and activities as well as understanding dementia, how to engage people living with dementia and their caregivers and how to adapt cultural activities to their needs.
• Create a model for cross-sector collaboration between cultural institutions and health and care stakeholders, enabling knowledge transfer, interdisciplinary learning, and systemic innovation in how cultural spaces address ageing and inclusion of people living with dementia.
• Promote inclusion and active participation of people living with dementia and their caregivers in cultural and community life especially through participation into book clubs, narrative activities, etc. fighting stigma, and promoting a culture of respect and dignity.
• Create a new audience (people living with dementia and their caregivers) for small and medium size cultural institutions such as libraries and bookshops. Relevance to Creative Europe Overarching Priorities

Inclusion and Gender Equality Digital Transition

Greening efforts

International Relations

Results

NARRATE-D introduces an innovative, cross-sectoral approach to cultural inclusion by transforming libraries and bookshops into dementia-friendly spaces through creative, participatory, and gamified methods.

NARRATE-D project will deliver a set of practical resources, tools, and recommendations designed to support the transformation of libraries and bookshops into dementia-friendly cultural spaces: 

• The NARRATE-D Methodological Guide

An innovative methodology that supports libraries, bookshops, and other cultural institutions in creating dementia-friendly environments and activities.

• Digital Gamified Toolkit

A digital toolkit that supports cultural professionals in applying dementia-friendly approaches in their daily work.

• Policy Recommendations and Advocacy Brief

An evidence-based policy brief including analysis of future potential challenges and recommendations addressing different stakeholders in partners countries and across EU

Target Groups

• People living with dementia and seniors at risk of cognitive decline
•  Caregivers (especially informal caregivers) and family members of people living with dementia
• Library professionals, bookshop staff & relevant cultural workers (cultural professionals like storytellers, artists, authors, facilitators)
• Local community members
• Organisations/ institutions from the health and social care sector 
• Policy makers

CONSORTIUM