man holding two bags outside a public library

Ray Hook shows off the Perth & District Library’s new memory kits

The Perth & District Union Public Library is now offering “memory kits” for borrowing at the library. Generously sponsored by Ray and Elaine Hook, these Memory Kits are designed to stimulate the brain activity in people experiencing cognitive decline, including memory loss and forms of dementia like Alzheimer’s disease.

“These kits are for anyone who would like to reminisce and encourages social connection, exercises the mind, and helps the user retain skills,” said Erika Heesen, CEO/Chief Librarian. “We’re very grateful to Ray and Elaine for their support of this initiative”.

The Library has three kits, designed with a theme: remembering gardens, music, and the 1940’s, 50’s, and 60’s. Each kit has something to read, to watch, to listen to, to create and games to play, and includes brochures and info sheets from the Alzheimer Society of Lanark Leeds Grenville.

“My last job after leaving the Military some 14 years ago was a most satisfying job of running a Women’s Shelter in Alberta. The feeling of being able to help those less fortunate than us left a strong impression on me.  After moving to Perth a few years ago, Elaine and I decided to try and help the local library, as we believed in their mission and their programs – all designed to help people in so many ways,” said Ray Hook. “What a super initiative it was and it appealed to us right away – helping people who need it! Then to see the results of the kits – we are thrilled to have been a part of it”.

To learn more about the services offered by the Library, please select ‘services’ in the menu above or call 613-267-1224.  To reserve a memory kit, visit the following links in the library’s catalogue:
Remembering Gardens
Remembering Music
Remembering the 50s, 60s, and 70s

To learn more about the services offered by the Alzheimer Society, please visit their website https://alzheimer.ca/lanark/en or call 613-345-7392.