The Way We Were: Sun City Library's award-winning Memory Kits reach out and touch the elderly

The Memory Kits have been recognized by the National Association of Counties.

PUBLISHED AUG 20, 2024

The success in Sun City has led other Maricopa County libraries to adopt the kits.

Sun City, Arizona: Maricopa County Library District's Memory Care Kits for senior clients who may be living with Alzheimers, Dementia, and even stroke survivors have been recognized by the National Association of Counties.

When Glen Brown, Electronic Resources Manager at Sun City Library, noticed a growing need among patrons with cognitive challenges, he took action. The need became evident after a staff member assisted a customer searching for picture books for an aging parent who could no longer read conventional books. The only available options were in the children’s section, leaving both the customer and staff member feeling uncomfortable.

Glen Brown is an Electronic Resources Manager at Sun City Library.

Motivated by this experience and drawing from his own personal connection — his grandmother lived with severe Alzheimer’s — Brown set out to address the gap in resources. He aimed to provide dignified, engaging materials for adults facing Alzheimer's, dementia, or the effects of a stroke.

To achieve this, Brown collaborated with the Friends of the Sun City Library, a community group known for its support of library programs. “They’re a wonderful group,” Brown said. “They provide funding for our programs and also serve as a community focus group, helping us brainstorm ideas.”

The result of the collaboration was the creation of Memory Care Kits. These kits contain materials designed to engage adults with cognitive challenges.

The result of this collaboration was the creation of Memory Care Kits. These kits contain materials designed to engage adults with cognitive challenges, including picture books, crossword puzzles, coloring pages, and other activities aimed at sparking joy and mental stimulation.

“We want the person suffering from these conditions to find a little joy, encouragement, and challenge,” Brown explained. “Using their brain is very important.”

The Friends of the Sun City Library funded the initial kits and helped spread the word to the senior population. The program has since expanded, earning recognition with a National Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties. The success in Sun City has led other Maricopa County libraries, including the Fountain Hills Library, to adopt the kits. Some libraries have even brought them to pop-up events at assisted living facilities.

In addition to their thoughtful design, the Memory Care Kits are completely free to check out and do not need to be returned, ensuring easy access for those in need.