Plans for dementia friendly libraries this year
Carlow Library could be central to a dementia awareness initiative
CARLOW mayor cllr Paul Doogue has said plans are underway for a library-based dementia awareness initiative across the county this year, following a meeting in Carlow library recently.
“As mayor of Carlow, I was delighted to attend a meeting in Carlow library on Friday morning,” he said. “A very productive meeting, I feel, with Carlow library management Dermot O’Leary and Fiona O’Toole, along with Yvonne Leahy, dementia advisor for Carlow/Kilkenny, and Tara Rice, community engagement officer (south-east) with the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland.”
Cllr Doogue said the initiative is at an early stage, but the aim is to use libraries as welcoming hubs for practical, accessible information. “We are planning a library-based dementia awareness initiative in 2026,” he said.
He added that the plan is to hold informal information mornings in Carlow, Bagenalstown, Tullow and Borris libraries, providing guidance and support for people who want to learn more about dementia and how it affects individuals and families.
“The aim is to create more awareness, encourage discussion and foster a local connection, while using libraries as a trusted and safe space to share information,” cllr Doogue said.
He described the project as being “in its infancy stage”, but said it was “encouraging having the library on board, along with Tara and Yvonne, as they are professionals in their respective roles”.
He also said there are plans to engage with businesses as part of a wider push to make communities more supportive of people living with dementia.
“Myself, along with Tara and whoever else wants to join us, will be going from business to business in how they can and will play a vital part in making Carlow dementia-friendly,” he said.
“If we all work together, Carlow could be the first county to be dementia friendly.”
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland describes a ‘dementia inclusive community’ as one where people with dementia are ‘understood, respected and supported’ and confident they can contribute to community life with awareness and understanding across the wider community.
The organisation says its ‘Friends of ASI’ dementia inclusive community development initiative is being rolled out in counties, including Carlow, alongside other areas around the country.
