Section 1 of 6
Why This Guide Matters
The Library’s Role in an Aging Community
Libraries serve as trusted community anchors. Patrons visit for information, connection, lifelong learning, and assistance navigating complex systems. As communities age, libraries increasingly serve individuals living with cognitive impairment and dementia, as well as the family members and care partners who support them.
Growing Community Needs
As the number of individuals living with dementia increases, so does the need for accessible community spaces that are prepared to respond thoughtfully and effectively. Many individuals living with dementia rely on care partners to assist with safety, including medical coordination, financial management, and daily activities as the condition progresses. Care partners frequently report difficulty locating accessible resources and navigating community systems not designed with cognitive changes in mind.
Dementia in Florida
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579,900Floridians 65+ living with Alzheimer’s
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877,000family and other unpaid caregivers
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1.4 billionhours of unpaid care each year
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1 in 3people with dementia live alone†
Source: Alzheimer’s Association, 2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures — Florida
† U.S. figure, not Florida-specific: 32% of people with dementia — Administration for Community Living / NADRC, 2023
Florida has one of the highest Alzheimer’s prevalence rates in the nation. The number of individuals living with dementia, along with significant numbers of caregivers providing unpaid care, reflects a growing and visible need across communities throughout the state.
In addition, many individuals living with Alzheimer’s reside alone, increasing potential risks related to safety, nutrition, medication management, and social isolation. These realities underscore the importance of community institutions being prepared to interact confidently and respectfully with individuals experiencing cognitive changes.
Libraries are already serving this population, often without formal recognition. As trusted, accessible spaces, libraries are uniquely positioned to strengthen community response.
Why Libraries Matter
Libraries are well positioned to help address these gaps. Through staff education, supportive environments, accessible materials, and community programming, libraries can reduce barriers, strengthen participation, and provide meaningful support to individuals living with dementia and their care partners.
Building Dementia-Friendly Communities
The broader effort to build dementia-friendly communities reflects a growing recognition that public education, infrastructure, and resource accessibility play an essential role in supporting individuals with cognitive impairment. In Summer 2025, Florida public libraries were surveyed regarding dementia-friendly practices, available resources, and implementation challenges. The feedback collected directly from library professionals informed the development of this guide.
Guide Development and Partnership
This work is part of the Florida State University College of Medicine’s North and Central Florida Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Partnership (GWEP), branded as FSU REACH (Resources & Education for Aging, Community, and Health). FSU REACH has a partnership with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ Dementia Care and Cure Initiative (DCCI) and staff from the Florida Division of Library and Information Services.
The Dementia-Friendly Library Guide translates statewide survey findings from public library staff and community expertise into practical strategies that libraries can implement across four key domains:
Four Key Domains
Training
Building staff confidence and communication skills for respectful, effective interactions with patrons experiencing cognitive changes.
Environment
Creating accessible, navigable physical spaces that reduce confusion and support independence for all patrons.
Resources
Curating dementia-friendly materials, memory kits, and educational resources for patrons, care partners, and families.
Community Programs
Developing partnerships and programming that reduce isolation and connect families to trusted local support services.
Why This Guide Matters for Libraries
Dementia-friendly practices align with a library’s mission. They strengthen a library’s ability to serve all patrons with clarity, respect, and consistency. In serving all patrons, this quide is beneficial not only for those living with dementia but for those with other conditions and disabilities, such as sensory impairment and reduced mobility.
This guide supports libraries in:
- Increasing staff confidence
- Reducing uncertainty during challenging interactions
- Improving environmental accessibility and navigation
- Expanding resource offerings for patrons and care partners
- Building sustainable community partnerships
Key takeaway
Library staff can support people living with dementia without needing clinical expertise or identifying whether someone has dementia. Small, intentional adjustments in communication, environment, and programming can significantly improve patron experience while preserving dignity and independence.
This guide accompanies the FSU REACH Dementia-Friendly Library training modules. More information on the modules and where they can be found is located under Additional Dementia-Friendly Library Information and Resources.