Book Exchange program fosters connection and engagement
Location: Kensington Gardens, Toronto, ON
Last summer, Andy Ferrusca, a Life Enhancement Assistant at Kensington Gardens, noticed a resident seemed isolated and withdrawn. He wasn’t interested in participating in group activities which provide a sense community and connection.
In an effort to engage the resident, Andy suggested they create something together that he would enjoy. This led to the idea of a book exchange, aimed at keeping fellow residents’ minds active and promoting a culture of reading and knowledge exchange.
Andy and the resident carefully selected the first round of books, choosing titles that suited the interests and personalities of the participants. They set up a system where residents could borrow a book for a month before exchanging it for a new one. The program quickly expanded to welcome residents living on all floors of the building.
Leading this initiative and its expansion gave the resident a renewed sense of purpose and pride and a way to connect with his neighbors. Andy, who advocates for a person-centered approach to her work, was thrilled to find an activity that the resident enjoyed. She’s grateful when residents speak up about their needs and interests because that feedback helps Kensington offer even better programs.
Although the founding resident has since passed away, his legacy lives on through the book exchange program. It continues to encourage more introverted residents to engage with their neighbors, who now look forward to their monthly book swaps. Popular genres include mysteries, thrillers, and large-print books.
Looking ahead, Andy plans to further expand the program by adding new titles and possibly setting up more formal book club-style discussions. An avid reader herself, Andy recently enjoyed a book recommended by a resident: “The Little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules,” a heartwarming novel about a group of friends in a retirement home who rob a bank. Andy jokes that she hopes it doesn’t inspire any real-life white-collar crime!