Access for All – Library Services and Technology Grant

On July 7, 2022 the Library was awarded a two-year $14,000 grant through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The Access for All grant is focused on improving accessibility to library services and programs to all members of the community. There are four key components to our grant, outlined below.

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology items allow the Library to address the needs of community members with hearing or vision loss. Circulating items include: handheld magnifiers, an electronic magnifier, a sound amplifier, and 10 Launchpands pre-loaded with brain games. Circulating assistive technology is located on the first floor of the library.

Memory Cafes & Memory Kits

Memory Cafes provide support and socializing for adults living with dementia or Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. These are held once a month at the library and each meeting will have an activity or presenter. Meetings scheduled so far are as follows:

Memory Kits are circulating sets of activities for adults living with dementia or Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Each kit has a theme and includes various items to encourage engagement and discussion. Kits can be checked out for three weeks. Themes include: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Birds, America, Sports, Trains, Travel, and Pets. Memory Kits are located on the first floor of the library.

Home Delivery

The Library will be launching a pilot home delivery program for Wenham residents on January 9, 2023 (Hamilton residents will hopefully be launching the same program in the spring/summer of 2023). Please contact Assistant Director Jane Wolff (978-468-5577 ext. 616, jwolff@hwlibrary.org) for more information on this program.

Staff Training

Library staff will engage in training to offer the best possible service to the community. Staff have already done a Dementia Friends training in November 2022 and will participate in another training in May 2023.