“The senior population was prevented from attending day centres and many were isolated in their homes to safeguard themselves from a possible contagion, and this initiative will help to mitigate the psychological effects of isolation,” said Cristina Barrela, head of the Alcácer do Sal municipality’s library.

The public reading project, interrupted with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, now appears as “a friendly voice,” which through the telephone will reach the homes of the elderly “with traditional tales to refresh the memories” of the senior population.

“We have selected works, from traditional tales, that can bring back more memories and enliven the memories related to the youth and childhood of the elderly, in a brief conversation that will take no more than 15 minutes”, she added.
The initiative is addressed to all the elderly, institutionalised or at home, who register in the services of the Municipal Library of Alcácer do Sal, by telephone or email, and the tales will be read on Tuesdays and Thursdays, between 10am and 12pm, by the voice of a person from the animation team.

“Through the telephone we will try to transmit the emotions and affection” of each story, added Cristina Barrela, saying that the initiative has “some adhesion” from the elderly.

According to Alcácer do Sal City Hall, when registering, the name, telephone number and age of the person who wants to hear the tale must be indicated, as well as the day and time desired.