Libraries Services for memory loss

All library staff are trained Dementia Friends, and Shropshire Libraries is a member of Shropshire Telford & Wrekin Dementia Action Alliance. As well as our Reading Well dementia book collections, we offer a range of loanable items designed for those with memory loss and their supporters.

An object, a photograph, some music, a word - sometimes it takes a trigger to bring memories flooding back…

Shared memory bags are just that – an easily portable collection of items, books and activities to share at home or in a group to prompt conversation. You can borrow a shared memory bag from Shropshire Libraries free of charge for three weeks using your library card.

There are many themes available, including:

  • School Days
  • Football
  • Seaside
  • Spending Time Indoors
  • Spending Time Outside
  • Proverbs & Sayings
  • Time for Tea
  • Pets
  • Shopping
  • Childhood Days
  • Sporting Life
  • Travelling
  • World of Work
  • Music in Early Life
  • Music in Adult Life
  • Strength for the Journey (faith-based)
  • In the Garden
  • Family Life
  • Funny Old World
  • Land of My Fathers (Welsh/English)
  • Countryside

There is also a dual language English/Welsh bag.

These bags have been developed with the help of a range of organisations across Shropshire.

Oswestry Memory Loss Collection

Seven more Shared Memory Bags have been added as part of the Oswestry Memory Loss Collection (Sponsored by Oswestry Town Council and Coverage Care)

The new themes are:

  • Memories of Leisure Time 1950s and 60s
  • Memories of Childhood 1950s and 60s
  • Memories of Music 1950s and 60s
  • Memories of Working Life 1950s and 60s
  • Memories of Christmas 1950s and 60s
  • COMING SOON: Memories of Oswestry.

The Oswestry Memory Loss Collection also offers an expanded range of resources to support those living with memory loss at home, including jigsaw puzzles, CDs, games, Fidget Widgets, reminiscence cards and more. They are based at Oswestry but can be borrowed by anyone in Shropshire.

To view the full collection, please view the brochure in PDF format.