Libraries

People with dementia (or adults with brain injury or learning difficulties) are some of the most neglected groups when it comes to the provision of media and books. When their condition prevents them from accessing traditional books and magazines, there is almost nothing available for people who still enjoy ‘reading' or looking at pictures. Pictures to Share books fill this gap with high quality and beautiful books that combine pictures and text for adults in a meaningful and non-patronizing way.

Libraries currently use the books in a range of ways.

Some keep them in their lending sections within their branches.

This can involve problems as described by a London Librarian.

"The challenge for branches is that the carers and families may not know the Pictures to Share books exist. Classification is not of much help here and shelving them with books on dementia may help. If you are considering mounting a display on dementia, maybe for next year's Dementia Awareness Week, make sure you include these books "

If you are thinking of using them in this way, ask us about providing you with some leaflets or other information to promote them to family carers.

Some use them in their lending services direct to care homes.

If you are thinking of using them in this way, we can provide helpful guides to using the books for all homes borrowing the books. See Help using the books pages in our Resources section where there is a downloadable pdf version of our 'How to Use Guide'.

Our new guide, 'Book Therapy in Dementia Care' will provide all the information you need from what books are suitable, to how they should be displayed. If you would like to order a copy at £3.00 + 50p p&p, please call us on 01829 770024.

Some libraries use the books in their bibliotherapy services to care homes.

If you want to know more about providing bibliotherapy services within your authority, go to the relevant page in this section of the website.