Shropshire Libraries to launch national dementia book collections

Libraries in Shropshire are to hold a series of events to launch new collections of books for those living with dementia and their carers.

The national Reading Well Books on Prescription for Dementia collections each contain around 30 titles including information and advice, help after diagnosis, practical support for carers and personal stories.  The books are available for anyone to borrow from libraries in Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Market Drayton, Oswestry, Shrewsbury and Whitchurch, while the booklists and free reservations for the titles will be offered in all other library branches in the county.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for business growth and culture, said:

“With the right support, people with dementia and their carers can live well.  In the heart of our communities, libraries are well-placed to offer support, information and a welcoming space, and it is good to see this role acknowledged so effectively with the introduction of the Reading Well Books on Prescription for Dementia scheme.  In another initiative, all members of Shropshire Libraries staff will become Dementia Friends in 2015, underlining the key role public libraries play in building dementia-friendly communities.”

To highlight the new collections, a number of free events will take place during the last week of January 2015.

Supported by the Alzheimer’s Society, Shrewsbury Library will host a Dementia Café session featuring reminiscence, advice, coffee and cake on Monday 26 January 2015 from 2pm to 4pm.

Family memories will be the focus of a poetry writing workshop for all, led by poet Jean Atkin at Whitchurch Library from 2pm to 4pm on Tuesday 27 January, while Bridgnorth Library will offer a Dementia Friendly Teatime on Wednesday 28 January from 2pm to 4pm.  This event, supported by the Alzheimer’s Society, will feature a School Days reminiscence session led by Emily Middleton from South Shropshire Memory Service as well as refreshments.

For more information, contact Mirka Duxberry or Heather Rodenhurst (Library Commissioning Managers for Health & Well-being) on 01743 255031 or email libraries@shropshire.gov.uk.

For further information on Reading Well Books on Prescription for Dementia visit http://readingagency.org.uk/adults/news/reading-well-books-on-prescription-dementia-scheme.html