Libraries find new ways to expand services

Two public libraries in Ottawa County are adding new services to help people of all ages, from students planning for college and careers to seniors living with dementia.

Herrick District Library in Holland is using new online learning tools to help residents with schoolwork and job planning.

Since the library launched the Brainfuse programs HelpNow, CollegeNow, and JobNow in July, the services have been used more than 450 times. 

The platforms are open to anyone with a library card and can be used through the library’s website. They offer live help whenever users need it.

Aiding families, job hunters

HelpNow assists K–12 students with homework, test prep, writing, and online study tools. CollegeNow helps students and families understand the college application process, including applications, financial aid, and interviews.

JobNow helps people looking for work by offering resume reviews, interview practice, career coaching, and skill-building tools.

Vanessa Walstra, manager of collections and digital resources at Herrick, says these services were added because families and job seekers asked for more support.

“These are great resources for parents who want to give their kids additional enrichment exercises to build their skills and confidence in a particular area,” Walstra says. “There are so many good resources in these databases that we know people are asking for, and it is all free using your library card.”

Engaging people with dementia

In Grand Haven, the Loutit District Library is tackling a different challenge: social isolation and cognitive decline among older adults. 

The library recently added a Tovertafel Pixie. The mobile projector is designed to engage people living with dementia through interactive games that promote movement, memory, and social interaction.

The new service was funded by a donation from a local family concerned about the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The Pixie allows library staff to bring programming directly into senior living facilities rather than requiring residents to travel.

Chelsea Payton, community engagement and marketing manager at Loutit District Library, says the early results have been striking.

“Over the course of only an hour during our most recent visit to Christian Haven, we saw all of the residents who played the Tovertafel games become more cognizant and engaged with their peers,” Payton says. “We were able to foster conversations with residents who were uncommunicative when we first arrived, sharing memories and laughter with each other.”

The library says it is the first in North America to offer the Pixie, which was designed with the help of care professionals and people living with dementia. While developed for seniors with cognitive impairment, the technology can also be used with healthy seniors, people with developmental disabilities, and young children developing fine motor skills.

Calysta Bailey, life enrichment coordinator at Christian Haven, says the visits have had an immediate impact.

“It’s easy to see the effect the Tovertafel has on our residents’ quality of life as they engage with the games with smiles across their faces,” Bailey says. “It not only brings happiness and laughter, but also promotes socialization with peers who might not otherwise initiate those conversations.”