Library Foundation Receives $5,000 Grant to Extend Large Print Book Club Kits

The Springfield-Greene County Library Foundation has received a $5,000 grant from the Greene County Senior Services Fund Board to expand the library district's large print book club kits, increasing access to reading materials while fostering social connection and cognitive engagement for older adults, including those living with dementia. 

Bridget Dierks, Executive Director for the Library Foundation, said, "This grant is a vital investment in our mission to reach underserved members of our community. By bringing these new large-print and dementia-friendly kits directly to our community’s seniors, we are breaking down barriers to accessibility. This helps ensure that every resident in Greene County has the resources they need to stay lifelong readers and remain actively connected.” 

The grant will fund the addition of 18 new large-print book club kits over the course of the project, including new dementia-friendly kits designed to support individuals experiencing memory loss. Each kit contains 10 copies of a large-print title along with a facilitator guide that includes a summary and discussion questions. Kits circulate for one-month checkout periods to senior living communities across Greene County, where they support small-group reading and discussion at the participants’ location. “With this opportunity, we are ensuring that memory loss or vision changes don't isolate our older neighbors. This funding allows us to deliver meaningful social connection and cognitive engagement directly to seniors right where they live,” said Dierks. 

The initiative is part of meeting the district’s strategic goal to connect new users and underserved communities with library programs and services. More information about the Library’s strategic plan can be found at thelibrary.org/strategicplan.