Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL) serves over half a million people in Prince William County and the City of Manassas. Over 62,000 people are 65 or older (2020 U.S. Census).

PWPL strives to create a welcoming, inclusive environment for all, regardless of their demographic and socioeconomic status. PWPL aims to showcase public libraries as relevant community partners that help people with various needs.

PWPL Strategic Plan 2019-2023 included goals of strengthening lifelong learning and other programs for adults and older adults. PWPL established a “Services to Older Adults” workgroup to develop ways to serve and support the older adult population.

In 2023, PWPL achieved milestones in reaching these goals. Thanks to new partnerships with organizations that have the expertise in serving older adults, PWPL now offers unique and specialized programs for people in all stages of aging, including those experiencing memory loss and other cognitive and physical changes during aging.

In 2023, PWPL launched a collaboration with Comfort Keepers Prince William, an in-home care agency for seniors and other independent adults, to establish a unique service for older adults and their caregivers through Memory Cafés at libraries.

Memory Cafés are gatherings that offer a welcoming and supportive environment for older people, cater to their diverse needs, and provide opportunities for activities that help enhance their quality of life.

This collaboration is the first of its kind for both partners. PWPL provides space, resources, and support, and Comfort Keepers provides expertise and experience in senior care services.

Various activity stations are set up during Memory Cafés. Some encourage meaningful conversations and foster social connections, which help dissipate feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by older adults. Other stations focus on creative activities that serve as cognitive stimulants, promoting brain health and overall well-being.

The achieved outcomes are:

• Improved library services for older adults.
• Better access to life-enhancing programs for older adults.
• Improved well-being of program participants.
• Elevated partnerships between PWPL and community partners, leading to new opportunities to improve services for older adults.

Memory Cafés are free to participants and, therefore, accessible to those who may not be able to afford such services elsewhere.

Older adults in the greater Prince William area have better access to programs that foster a sense of community and offer activities that help alleviate the conditions of the aging process. Memory Cafés also provide access to library resources on aging-related topics.

Memory Cafés also recognize the role of caregivers in the well-being of older adults and provide them opportunities to connect, share experiences, and provide mutual support.

From May 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024, PWPL hosted 52 Memory Cafés, which were attended by 86 people.