Programme: Cork County
WHO Theme: Respect and Social Inclusion, Social Participation
Funding Stream: Self-funded.
Resources Required: Community Support, Financial, Paid Staff
Cost: 5000 – 10000
Status: Ongoing
Description
Cork County Council Library & Arts Service is launching an initiative assisting the setting up of book clubs for older people in Nursing Homes and those attending Day Care Centres around Cork County. This is a free service and we are bringing it directly to the user. There are numerous benefits associated with being part of a book club. These include making new friends, keeping your brain active and young, enjoyment associated with sharing and talking about books you love and the joy of discovering new books. In recognition of different needs and preferences, multiple formats of books are available to choose from. These include Audiobooks on CD, Large Print titles, Quick Reads (Adult novellas, from popular authors with buff coloured paper for glare avoidance) and Short Story Collections. It may also be possible to download an e-book or e-audio book title via Borrowbox, our e-book and e-audio book app, where the font size can be adjusted, (Acorn tablets are available on request for use by patrons). There will also be support available for Activities Personnel in a Nursing Home or Day Care Centre to help organise and set up the book club for their patrons. The books can be delivered by the Mobile Library, as part of its schedule or they can also be collected from your local library.
Aim of Initiative
To provide support for the establishment of book clubs in nursing homes, community hospitals and day care centres. This will consist of practical logistical support through the provision of books in print, audio and digital formats and advice on how to set up and manage a book club. Ongoing support will be available in the form of printed/audio and digital book club titles monthly or bi-monthly.
Who is it aimed at
This intitiative is aimed at residents of nursing homes and community hospitals and those attending community day care centres.
3 Steps critical to success
- Liaise with Age Friendly Ireland, Nursing Homes Ireland, Senior Health Promotion Officer for Community Hospitals in Cork and Kerry, the Older People’s Council and the HSE in order to create a comprehensive database of existing nursing homes, community hospitals and day care centres in county Cork. Contact each facility to determine extent of interest in the initiative which informed the level of material required to support the initiative.
- Create a second database of interested groups; determine feasibility of delivering book club material to each location via the Mobile Library and branch delivery van distribution network. Purchase suitable material in suggested formats in order to supply existing members, allowing also for possible future additional clubs.
- Contact interested groups to confirm participation. Advise interested groups on the setting up of book clubs in their locations and how initiative will work in terms of materials/supply/support. Organise distribution timetables. Commence distirbution to particiapting groups.
3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery
- Creating a comprehensive database of all nursing homes, community hospitals and day care centres in a county as large as Cork.
- Contacting all nursing homes, day care centres and community hospitals in county Cork; speaking to activity coordinators (by email/phone) explaining what was being proposed.
- Identify suitable material – sourcing copies in all three formats (printed [including large print], audio and digital – [this format had to be made available via BorrowBox which required additional research/consultation). Organise distribution schedules, contact lists, database of locations/contacts/materials read/on-loan/requested.
3 Outcomes / Benefits
- Book clubs up and running in various locations/settings throughout the county.
- Each location has a diverse range of participants attending regular book club meetings in nursing homes, community hopsitals and day care centres. Diverse requirements of attendees is met by supplying books in three formats – printed, audio and digital.
- Book clubs meeting regularly. Book clubs have been set up in additional locations.