Mindful Libraries
Mindful Libraries is a collaborative initiative between NANA'S BOOKS, Mirador Magazine, and Resense. This program unites three award-winning publications to build dementia-friendly libraries, offering intentionally crafted, adaptive resources for individuals in residential care communities, public libraries, and gathering spaces for people of all ages.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to celebrate each reader's journey by offering adaptive, engaging, and nostalgic materials that foster dignity, independence, and meaningful connections. Through thoughtfully designed content, we aim to spark joy, encourage reminiscence, and create moments of shared experience for individuals, caregivers, and communities.
Our carefully curated collection of adaptive books, magazines, and newspapers is created specifically to engage readers at all stages of cognitive ability. With large print, simple layouts, and nostalgic themes, our materials provide opportunities for joyful engagement, reminiscing, and shared experiences between residents, care partners, and loved ones.
For many individuals in care settings, traditional libraries and bookstores no longer meet their needs. Small print, complex narratives, and overwhelming choices can make reading feel like a challenge rather than a comfort. Mindful Libraries reimagines the reading experience by offering materials that are dementia-friendly, visually accessible, and emotionally meaningful—so that everyone can experience the joy of reading again.
The Mindful Libraries reading program provides dementia-friendly books, magazines, and newspapers designed to spark reminiscence, engagement, and connection for individuals living with memory loss. This program includes a curated collection of adaptive publications, certified training, and digital access to ensure meaningful reading experiences in long-term care communities.
Stay in Touch
Reimagine reading and elder engagement with Mindful Libraries. We're bringing joyful, daily reading to a community near you. Join to stay up to date with our current offerings and future events.
A carefully curated collection of adaptive books, magazines, newspapers, and interactive resources designed to spark memories, encourage engagement, and foster connection.
A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert.
~ Andrew Carnegie
The library is an arena of possibility, opening both a window into the soul and a door onto the world.
~ Rita Dove
42 Editions Available
The Resense Register is a dementia-friendly newspaper designed to reminisce, engage, and elicit long-term memories for individuals living with dementia. With larger fonts, positive and timeless articles, and a variety of puzzles, it provides a comforting and stimulating daily routine, enhancing cognitive function and emotional well-being.
40+ large format, large print paperback books
NANA'S BOOKS is a collection of 40 large-print, nostalgic paperback books designed to spark joy and connection. Crafted for individuals with dementia or memory loss, these books celebrate a lifetime of memories while fostering storytelling and conversation. With built-in guides, NANA'S BOOKS inspires meaningful interactions and preserves the joy of reading in an accessible, dignified way.
14 Physical volumes of the Mirador Magazine + 6 Spanish Translations
An award-winning, dementia-inclusive publication. We recognize the life experience of our readers and celebrate their interest in the world by providing a variety of content in our magazine. Our ad-free pages include positive short features on nature, science, history, art, and the people who share their talents with all of us. MIRADOR incorporates large print, sans serif font, and a layout intentionally designed for easier reading. We also include a handful of activities to be enjoyed together or independently.
Explore the benefits of reading for individuals living with dementia. Discover how adaptive resources can promote engagement, stimulate memories, and enhance well-being. Learn more about how reading supports cognitive health, fosters meaningful connections, and provides a sense of autonomy and joy. See how Mindful Libraries is transforming the reading experience with dementia-friendly materials tailored for care communities and beyond.
We are award winners & pioneers in the elder engagement space.
"This is more than just a newspaper... it is an experience. Someone could be the one who picks up the register (a job). Then they can ask if any of the residents want to take turns reading the articles out loud or listen as a volunteer or staff member reads. Then in groups of two or three, they can work on the puzzle together. Each topic can be engaging for different people, spark conversation, and allow the team to learn more about their residents!"
"As a recreation therapist, I've seen countless resources, but NANA'S BOOKS has revolutionized our reading program with a new direction (leisure reading) that has dramatically improved our residents' participation and happiness.
“I I thought she’d lost her interest in reading … but she’s reading Mirador cover to cover and says it really makes her think! It’s so good to see her reading again. The fact that she can focus on it at length is pretty amazing.”
These are amazing books for use in memory care units.They validate the person with Alzheimer’s and dementia, elevating them to teacher and keeper of long-held memories. These lovely books are so worthy and should be in every long-term care community.
“Whats wonderful is you can do it in a group, you can do it one. on one... and It gives me [individual with dementia] the experience that I am familiar with. It also gives me the opportunity to engage with others and enjoy so many of the things I used to enjoy."
These thoughtfully designed books for adults are filled with meaningful prose, poetry, lyrics and well-known sayings; each enhanced with a gorgeous photograph or artwork.
These pairings spark memories for people of all ages. Together they create a natural environment to trigger memories and stories from the past.
Support Our Friends!
Alzheimer's Speaks is a Minnesota-based advocacy group and international media outlet founded in 2009 by Lori La Bey to support individuals dealing with Alzheimer's and dementia. The organization provides education, resources, and support to caregivers and professionals, aiming to shift dementia care from crisis to comfort. It launched Alzheimer's Speaks Radio in 2011, the first dementia-specific radio program, fostering open discussions and sharing valuable information. Through free educational resources, consulting services, and marketing opportunities, Alzheimer's Speaks strives to change perceptions of dementia care and promote a more supportive culture. Lori La Bey's efforts have been widely recognized, including being named a "Health Hero & Alzheimer's Empath" by O Magazine and an "Architect of Change for Humanity" by Maria Shriver.