Reimagining Libraries as
Dementia-friendly Hubs
NARRATE-D is a Creative Europe project that aims to develop an innovative methodology, in order to transform libraries and bookshops into dementia-friendly cultural spaces that promote inclusion, well-being, and active participation. Through storytelling, literature-based & inclusive activities, cultural co-creation, and innovative approaches, the project seeks to improve the quality of life of people living with dementia and their caregivers, while fostering greater awareness and understanding within local communities. By bridging culture, care, and community engagement, NARRATE-D supports libraries and bookshops in becoming welcoming spaces where everyone can participate, connect and belong. The NARRATE-D project has a duration of 24 months.
Need for Action - Addressing a Growing Challenge
Europe’s population is ageing rapidly, and dementia has become one of the most significant public health and social inclusion challenges of our time. People living with dementia and their caregivers often face stigma, discrimination, social isolation, and limited access to cultural and educational opportunities. At the same time, growing evidence shows that cultural and artistic engagement can enhance emotional well-being, stimulate cognitive function, and strengthen social connections, highlighting the important role that inclusive cultural spaces can play in supporting people affected by dementia. Yet, there is a gap in integrating these practices into community settings like libraries and bookshops.
How NARRATE-D Responds?
NARRATE-D addresses this gap by developing and testing an innovative methodology that helps libraries and bookshops become dementia-friendly cultural environments. The project combines expertise from the cultural, educational, health, and care sectors to create accessible and inclusive cultural activities centred on storytelling, literature, creativity, and community participation. Through research, training, digital tools, pilot activities, and cross-sector collaboration, NARRATE-D empowers cultural professionals to design experiences that respond to the needs of people living with dementia and their caregivers. By doing so, the project contributes to more inclusive communities while opening cultural participation opportunities for an audience that is often overlooked.
Objectives
Develop an Innovative Methodology
for transforming libraries and bookshops into dementia-friendly environments that offer inclusive cultural experiences and non-pharmaceutical therapies focusing on cognitive stimulation, emotional support, and social inclusion.
Create a Digital Gamified Toolkit
for libraries and bookshops staff or/and cultural workers that includes the methodology, resources, instructional materials, and videos to promote a replicable model of dementia-friendly libraries applicable across Europe.
Build the capacity of library staff and cultural workers
to design and deliver dementia-friendly services and activities as well as understanding dementia, how to engage people living with dementia and their caregivers and how to adapt cultural activities to their needs.
Create a model for cross-sector collaboration
between cultural institutions and health and care stakeholders, enabling knowledge transfer, interdisciplinary learning, and systemic innovation in how cultural spaces address ageing and inclusion of people living with dementia.
Promote inclusion and active participation
of people living with dementia and their caregivers in cultural and community life especially through participation into book clubs, narrative activities, etc. fighting stigma, and promoting a culture of respect and dignity.
Create a new audience
(people living with dementia and their caregivers) for small and medium size cultural institutions such as libraries and bookshops.
Results
NARRATE-D introduces an innovative, cross-sectoral approach to cultural inclusion by transforming libraries and bookshops into dementia-friendly spaces through creative, participatory, and gamified methods. It will deliver a set of practical resources, tools, and recommendations designed to support the transformation of libraries and bookshops into dementia-friendly cultural spaces.
The NARRATE-D Methodological Guide
An innovative methodology that supports libraries, bookshops, and other cultural institutions in creating dementia-friendly environments and activities.
Digital Gamified Toolkit
A digital toolkit that supports cultural professionals in applying dementia-friendly approaches in their daily work.
Policy Recommendations and Advocacy Brief
An evidence-based policy brief including analysis of future potential challenges and recommendations addressing different stakeholders in partners countries and across EU
Target groups
People living with dementia and seniors at risk of cognitive decline
Caregivers (especially informal caregivers) and family members of people living with dementia
Library professionals, bookshop staff & relevant cultural workers (cultural professionals like storytellers, artists, authors, facilitators)
Local community members
Organisations/ institutions from the health and social care sector
Policy makers
Long-Term Vision
NARRATE-D aims to create lasting structural change in the way cultural institutions engage with ageing populations and people living with dementia. The project seeks to establish libraries and bookshops as inclusive community spaces where culture contributes to well-being, participation, and social connection. By promoting collaboration between cultural and care sectors, supporting professional development, and providing practical tools that can be replicated across Europe, NARRATE-D aspires to reduce stigma, strengthen community inclusion, and inspire a broader European shift towards dementia-inclusive cultural participation.