Building Connections through Music and Memories
Kalamazoo Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
"Music and Memories" is a monthly community event designed for older adults, including those with dementia and memory loss. Hosted at the public library, the event features a board-certified music therapist who leads the group in singing songs and sharing stories in a relaxed and welcoming environment. This program aims to evoke memories that transcend time and space, providing a unique experience that fosters connections and reduces loneliness and isolation for both participants and their caregivers. Additionally, the event highlights the positive impact of music on health and wellness.
Challenge/Opportunity
Inspired by research and local awareness of the increased social isolation and loneliness among older adults post-COVID-19, this unique gathering was created to address these needs in a fresh way for our community. While there are resources available for older adults and those experiencing memory loss, many come with economic or other barriers. Adults in care centers or assisted living facilities might have access to music therapy sessions, but not everyone in our community has that privilege. We recognized the library's potential to serve as an intermediary and host by partnering with a music therapist skilled in using music to enhance the social and emotional well-being of older adults. This program allows adults and caregivers to participate together, offering a joyful experience to look forward to each month.
Key Elements of Innovation
This series of events stands out from typical music or other library programs for adults. "Music and Memories" is an intentionally crafted community, developed month by month to build connections among participants, library staff, and the music therapist. Each session features both planned and requested music, allowing participants to revisit past decades in a relaxed and informal setting. Additionally, the music therapist provides education on music, wellness, and neuroscience throughout the sessions. Just as we use our literacy expertise to create a consistent Storytime experience with elements designed to support the cognitive and developmental needs of young children and caregivers, "Music and Memories" is intentionally structured to support the needs of older adults and their caregivers. We understood from the start that building this program and fostering authentic connections would take time. Our commitment has always been to create something special together.
Achieved Outcomes
KPL’s Strategic Plan emphasizes "Creating Community" by advancing equity and inclusion and providing lifelong learning experiences. This program supports these goals by engaging patrons who were largely absent from our programming and buildings after the COVID-19 pandemic. Launched in late 2022, the program started with only a few participants each week but gained momentum by September 2023, consistently attracting 15-25 participants each week. It stands out as a rare program with an average attendee age in the upper 70s with many participants between 80-100. The program also draws attendees from local care facilities, who bring patrons as a group. By advertising through care facilities, medical professionals, and other channels, we reach patrons who typically do not attend library programs, thereby increasing equity and access to wellness information and experiences. Sessions are filled with warm greetings among friends, laughter, tears, and even spontaneous waltzing.
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