Dementia resources
Dementia, depression and living with the after effects of strokes can create feelings of isolation and problems communicating with family, friends and carers
Many of our staff and volunteers have attended dementia awareness training. We also offer a range of resources to borrow which can help improve and stimulate discussion and memories.
Quick reads
Shorter, easy easier to read paperbacks by popular authors in larger clear print.
Pictures to share collection
Books with large, simple images designed for people with dementia to help stimulate conversation between them, their families and carers.
Reminiscence collection
The collection helps to stimulate memories and past experiences. It includes posters, games and quizzes, postcards, printed and recorded music, memory boxes, jigsaws, photographs and books which can be used to stimulate and support reminiscence.
Playaways
Individual books that are pre-loaded onto an easy-to-use MP3 player about the size of a pack of cards. The user can slow down the reading pace to suit their needs.
MP3 CDs
A whole book on one or two discs that can be listened to, paused, rewound or fast forwarded as needed so that people with dementia can still enjoy the pleasure of a book.
National talking newspapers and magazines
We can load your favourite newspapers and magazines onto your own memory stick. There are over 150 audio versions available, including Reader’s Digest, Which?, Country Living and People’s Friend.
Home library service
A service for anyone who finds it difficult to get to the library because of ill health, disability or caring responsibilities. We carefully match customers with local volunteers who are DBS checked, recruited and trained by library staff to choose and deliver relevant library materials usually on monthly basis.
Good neighbour scheme
This scheme allows you to choose a person to be responsible for your book loans and returns if you’re unable to visit the library yourself. Library staff can help your nominated person choose books for you, and there are no charges made for overdue items or reservations for books held within our library network. Ask your chosen ‘good neighbour’ to talk to library staff about this scheme.
Reading Well for Dementia
Reading Well is a scheme to support you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing using helpful reading. The initiative is managed by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries. All books in the collections have been endorsed by health professionals as well as people with lived experience of the conditions and topics covered and their relatives and carers.
The Reading Well collection for Dementia recommends titles you might find helpful if you have dementia, are caring for someone with dementia or would like to find out more about the condition. The books provide information and advice, support for living well, advice for relatives and carers, and personal stories.
Reading Well for Dementia books
See also our titles on BorrowBox