New Readability Sandbox Materials for Individuals Experiencing Cognitive Change
The Mindful Libraries team reached out to Readability Matters, eager to explore how personalized text formats might further enhance the accessibility of their dementia-inclusive reading materials. Readability Matters is excited to announce the launch of three new Readability Sandboxes, created in partnership with the initiative. We invite readers and caregivers to explore how personalized text formats can improve reading ease and comfort.
Mindful Libraries is a collaborative initiative between NANA’S BOOKS, Mirador Magazine, and Resense. This program unites three award-winning publications to build dementia-inclusive libraries, offering intentionally crafted, adaptive resources for individuals in residential care communities, public libraries, and gathering spaces for people of all ages. Their shared mission is to celebrate each reader’s journey by offering adaptive, engaging, and nostalgic materials that foster dignity, independence, and meaningful connection.
These new Readability Sandboxes showcase a stories from each publication in the Mindful Libraries collection:
Click to enlarge.
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A Walk Within the Wisdom of John Muir
NANA’S BOOKS: Link
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The Camping Trip
Mirador Magazine: Link
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Anything is Possible
The Resense Register: Link
Each sandbox allows readers to explore how changes in text format can impact reading ease and enjoyment. Readers can select a font, then adjust settings such as font size, character spacing, line spacing, weight, width, column width, and background color. These flexible options make it easier to find a combination that suits individual preferences and needs. For readers experiencing cognitive change, visual impairment, or age-related challenges, these personalized settings can be transformative.
If these adjustments feel enjoyable or helpful, similar settings are often available on digital platforms such as Apple Books, Kindle, and Google Play Books, as well as in apps with built-in accessibility features. For a list of tools and apps that support personalization of text formats, visit our Readability Tech Tips page.
We celebrate the accomplishments of the Mindful Libraries leaders, Laurette Klier, Nikki Jardin and Luke Gilligan. Through thoughtfully designed materials, they aim to spark joy, encourage reminiscence, and create moments of shared experience for this community. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such mission-driven individuals and to support their work through the Readability Sandbox platform.
Explore the new Mindful Libraries Sandboxes at readabilitymatters.org/sandbox
Learn more about the Mindful Libraries initiative at mindfullibraries.com
About Mindful Libraries: Reading brings joy, connection, and meaning throughout life. That’s why Mindful Libraries unites three award-winning publications–NANA’S BOOKS, Mirador Magazine, and the Resense Register–to create accessible, engaging reading environments in care communities. Their carefully curated collections support autonomy, preserve dignity, and foster meaningful engagement every day. At the heart of Mindful Libraries is a commitment to person-centered design. Each publication is thoughtfully crafted to mirror everyday reading materials while being fully accessible to people living with dementia and their care partners. https://www.mindfullibraries.com
About NANA’S BOOKS: NANA’S BOOKS provides 40 large-format, large-print books specifically designed to engage readers in life review. Using resonant nostalgic art, literature and familiar themes, these books activate core memories and spark meaningful conversations. Each book includes built-in conversation guides to support natural interaction. https://www.nanasbookseries.com
About Mirador Magazine: Mirador Magazine delivers 12 monthly volumes of dementia-inclusive content celebrating readers’ continued interest in the world around them. Features focus on nature, science, history, and art in an ad-free, easy-to-read format. Activities support both independent and shared engagement. https://www.miradormagazine.com
About Resense: The Resense Register offers a year-round subscription to a dementia-friendly newspaper designed to support daily routines and cognitive engagement. With timeless articles, enhanced formatting, and varied puzzles, it provides a familiar and stimulating reading experience. https://helloresense.com
