Birches Bibliophiles Rejoice: It’s Library Lovers Month!

Since the month of February is Library Lovers Month, it is the perfect time to celebrate one’s love of literature. Book-lovers at The Birches celebrate their favorite pastime in a variety of ways: by participating in The Birches’ Book Club, picking up a page-turner at The Birches’ library, and attending on-site book talks by Librarian Kathy Strange.

In Encore, The Birches’ specialized memory care neighborhood, associate Gloria Olson leads a bi-weekly Book Club for residents with memory loss. There is a common misconception that older adults with memory loss are unable to benefit from reading because they cannot retain what they read. According to Olson, however, this is not the case. Despite their cognitive impairment, participants in Encore’s Book Club benefit tremendously from reading as a group.

In order to accommodate the cognitive needs of Encore residents, Olson and Encore Director Jackie Raschke choose shorter reading materials—mostly booklets on various non-fiction topics. These booklets are easier for Encore residents to follow, and they come in Large Print, making them easier on the eyes as well.

According to Olson, Encore residents benefit from this Book Club in many ways. First, the mere act of getting together and interacting with one another is good for the residents; it brightens their spirits and keeps them engaged. Additionally, members of the club read aloud to one another, an exercise that stimulates the brain and involves multiple senses. To take the mental stimulation one step further, Olson asks participants questions about what they are reading, which encourages them to think critically about the content.

Residents at The Birches are also provided with an on-site book collection to fulfill their reading needs. The collection is available for residents any time day or night, because you never know when the overwhelming urge to submerse yourself in a riveting mystery, swoon-worthy romance, or nail-biting thriller will strike! Most of the books have been acquired through donations from residents, staff, and family members, and the collection has grown to include books that span across multiple genres, including travel, cooking, mystery, and romance.

In recent months, The Birches has begun hosting book talks led by Clarendon Hills Librarian Kathy Strange. Strange comes to The Birches well-equipped with various new and noteworthy titles that are sure to capture the attention and imaginations of residents. A trained expert at matching readers with books they’ll love, Strange is a great resource for residents that are insatiable readers and also those that want to rediscover their love of reading but don’t know where to start.

Additionally, residents are invited to join the Clarendon Hills Library Book Club, which meets at the Clarendon Hills Public Library every Wednesday morning at 10:00 am. At least one resident so far has decided to take her love of books to the next level and cease this opportunity!

Throughout the month of February and the entire year, The Birches is happy to meet the needs of all the bibliophiles that call The Birches home. Whether you are a sucker for Shakespeare or more of a Nora Roberts regular, we will do all we can to keep your reading regimen up to par!