The soft purr of a robotic cat and the steady presence of a lifelike dog are now part of dementia-friendly support at North Lakes Library, where companion pets are being used to help people living with dementia and their carers feel more connected.
Gentle Companions Arrive At North Lakes Library
North Lakes Library is among three City of Moreton Bay libraries introducing robotic companion pets as part of dementia-friendly programs for people living with dementia and their carers.
The new companions include two robotic cats and one robotic dog, with the pets available through Redcliffe, Caboolture and North Lakes libraries. While they are not real animals, they have been designed to feel familiar and comforting, with soft fur, gentle movement and simulated heartbeats.
The pets are intended to help reduce feelings of anxiety and loneliness while encouraging interaction and emotional comfort during library-based activities.
Robo Pets Add A Calming Presence
The companion pets will be used in dementia-friendly programs, including the Dementia Sharing Circle and other library activities designed for residents living with dementia and those who care for them.
Their pet-like movements and appearance offer a simple point of connection. For some participants, the presence of a cat or dog can provide a gentle focus for conversation, touch and shared activity.
The pets also sit alongside dementia kits available through the library network. These kits can be used on site or during library visits to aged care and other facilities.
They include weighted plush comfort dogs, classic board games such as checkers and snakes and ladders, simple jigsaw puzzles and reminiscence books. The books are designed to prompt memories, acknowledge personal history and support cognitive recall.
The weighted comfort dogs work in a similar way to a weighted blanket, using deep pressure stimulation to create a soothing effect. They are designed to help ease anxiety, reduce evening agitation and improve sleep quality.
North Lakes Part Of Dementia-Friendly Library Network
North Lakes Library is also one of the locations offering Magic Tables, which provide interactive activities for people living with dementia. The tables are available at Bribie Island, Caboolture, North Lakes, Redcliffe and Strathpine libraries.
Libraries across City of Moreton Bay are working towards becoming dementia-friendly spaces through staff training, community education, accessible facilities, inclusive programs and suitable collections.
Other support includes Quiet Hour sessions, where lights are lowered, music is turned off and noise from phones, computers and announcements is reduced. The sessions are held weekly.
A home library service is also available for eligible people who are unable to visit their local library because of dementia.
At Redcliffe Library, a Dementia Sharing Circle is being piloted for people living with dementia, care partners and loved ones. The sessions offer a place to connect over a cuppa, with support from a dementia doula.
For North Lakes Library users, the robo pets add a gentle new element to the dementia-friendly resources already available through the wider library network.
Published 4-July-2026
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