Learn More About Nana's Books

NANA'S BOOKS is an advertisement-free, dementia-friendly series that stitches anew the vibrant patches of a person's life story. Like a cherished patchwork quilt, each book is a collage of nostalgic art and literature, carefully pieced together to preserve the unique fabric of individual identity. We bring leisure reading back to unite families and communities of care in a time-honored ritual; shared reading and conversation.

How did ‘Books for Nana’ become NANA’S BOOKS?

What started as a homemade book to bring joy to my mother-in-law, ‘Nana’ Mary during the pandemic has evolved into so much more. An avid reader, Nana was dispirited by the children’s board books, juvenile picture books and discarded magazines in her memory care community. Nana’s friends and neighbors loved her books of nostalgic art and familiar verse, and began to make requests for books of their own. They requested books for veterans, prayer, golf, florals, pets, and more. NANA’S BOOKS series was born. In five short years, we’ve grown to forty books and a digital library, all designed to make visiting fun, in any setting, in person or virtually.

Beyond Just Reading

NANA'S BOOKS go beyond mere cognitive stimulation. We're preserving the intricate designs of each person's life quilt – their passions, their experiences, their essence. By providing a tactile, visual, and emotional link to the past, we're helping to support relationships and the comfort of belonging.

Join us in affirming the spirit within our readers and listeners.

Care Partner Patti LaFleur

Award Winning Publications

We are grateful recipients of a 2024 National Mature Media Award for our digital book, Prayers to the Great Spirit, timeless indigenous prayers from First Nations Tribes of the Americas. Would you like a digital copy to share? Reach out and we’ll send it your way!

Let’s Talk About Leisure Reading for Your Community

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About Me

A Passion for Teaching and Learning

Professional Biography - Laurette Klier

Hello, my name is Laurette Klier. For over 30 years, I've worked as an educator creating literacy environments for under-served populations. My approach is rooted in constructivist principles—believing that meaning-making is a lifelong process. Whether teaching children or caring for elders, I create spaces and resources that enhance communication and enrich daily life. This passion drives NANA'S BOOKS and my mission to promote dignified, respectful engagement for people of all ages.

As both teacher and care partner, I provide adaptive materials and supportive environments that enable individuals of all abilities to express themselves and thrive. Following Reggio Emilia principles, I assume competence and foster collaborative, authentic learning—an approach especially effective in dementia care that values lived experiences, encourages creative expression, and strengthens connections.

My Jesuit education has instilled in me a commitment to holistic learning that honors individuals at every life stage. This aligns with my core belief that everyone deserves enriching experiences that support their humanity.

My professional credentials include an Aetna Fellowship to the National Writing Project (NWP), Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), and training in habilitation and individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (iCST). I've been recognized with five national awards for innovation in dementia care, reflecting my ongoing learning journey with those living with dementia.

Above all, I believe educators and care partners have a fundamental responsibility to protect and empower those we serve during vulnerable yet generative moments, supporting their meaning-making in ways that preserve dignity and respect.