Mary Beth Riedner, Retired Librarian, Creator of the Tales & Travel programs, and Library Services for Dementia/Alzheimer’s (LSDA) Leadership Team Member wins RUSA Margaret E. Monroe Library Adult Services Award
“Research has shown that many people living with dementia can still read until the end stages of the disease. Librarians have much to offer them – through engaging programming, as well as assistance in finding appropriate materials for them to continue to enjoy. Literacy activities can consist of reading aloud, browsing through selected non-fiction books, singing using printed lyrics, choral reading of poetry, word games, etc. But librarians have a lot to learn from these patrons as well, especially their courage and determination to retain their identity, dignity and independence throughout the disease. It is important to focus on their remaining strengths, not their losses. It has been the privilege and passion of my life for the past 16 years to work with these deserving, but often underserved, individuals.” – Mary Beth Riedner
“Mary Beth Riedner’s distinguished career in public and academic libraries as well as her work and leadership in retirement are commendable and embody the spirit of the Monroe Award. Her efforts to promote person-centered service for patrons with all forms of dementia have made an immeasurable impact on libraries, not to mention those patrons and their caregivers, and have changed the landscape of adult library services for the better.” – Award Committee Statement
For close to 20 years, Mary Beth Riedner has been the driving force behind the development of library services for patrons living with dementia. Building upon the few resources that existed at the time of her husband’s diagnosis with a rare form of early-onset dementia, she was inspired to offer book and reading programs at a local memory care community. After partnering with a local public library, these efforts evolved into her innovative Tales & Travel Memories program. When the pandemic forced a pivot to an online format, Tales & Travel Memories Adventures was born, building upon the in-person version by incorporating experiences which do not rely on any previous knowledge or travel experience. Additionally, she has relentlessly published and shared her knowledge and ideas through invited and juried presentations. Mary Beth’s Tales & Travel program has been tested for effectiveness through an NIH grant and has garnered a variety of awards from the ALA, the Medical Library Association, and the Library of Congress.
Mary Beth also founded the Interest Group for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias which has since transformed into its current iteration, Library Services for Dementia/Alzheimer’s (LSDA), housed under ALA’s Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS), and which has continued to grow in membership and activities and impact. RUSA is proud to recognize Mary Beth herself for her creativity and dedication in creating these robust and inspiring collaborative programs and services.
“Mary Beth Riedner’s passion for meeting the needs of patrons, even in her retirement, reflects the very best of librarianship. Through her experience caring for her husband with early-onset dementia, she created an award-winning program to engage those with memory loss with reading. Her generosity in sharing what she has learned has helped countless libraries in serving people living with dementia.
At NoveList, we believe that books and libraries have the power to transform lives. Ms. Riedner’s efforts prove that this transformation is possible at any age. We applaud her inspiring work and congratulate her on receiving this prestigious award.” – NoveList, a division of EBSCO
The Margaret E. Monroe Library Adult Services Award, sponsored by NoveList consists of $1,250 monetary prize and a citation.
The RUSA Achievement Awards and Grants selection committee was chaired by Celia Ross.