Description

The Meadville Public Library provides space for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to play games, make crafts, read books, and connect with each other. These individuals are typically accompanied by staff from various support organizations, including Erie Homes for Children and Adults, CHAPS, Supports Inc., and The Arc. A recent request has been to start a book club for community members with IDD. The Next Chapter Book Club (NCBC) is a book club for people with IDD. Their website describes the process: “A group of four to eight people with disabilities, along with two trained facilitators, gather weekly or bi-weekly for one-hour in a local public library, bookstore, coffee shop, café, or similar public establishment to read aloud and discuss a book. Anyone can participate, whatever their reading or ability level.” With limited staff time and resources, the Library has not been able to fully pursue NCBC.

Outcome

We hope that the book club becomes firmly established and that the Library develops stronger relationships with the support agencies to better serve individuals with IDD.

Project Details

IMPACT TEAM

Education and Social Development

TYPE

Community Based Research (CBR)

STATUS

Open

FACULTY/STAFF SUPERVISOR

CBR

STUDENT(S)

CBR

COMMUNITY PARTNER(S)

Meadville Public Library