Unlocking memories through Surrey Libraries

A person and a visitor sit together beside a window, looking through a reminiscence book. The visitor holds the seated person's hand while the open book displays colourful images.

Free resources helping people with dementia and memory loss reconnect with memories

For people living with dementia or memory impairment, a familiar scent, photograph or object can unlock treasured memories. It can also spark meaningful conversations. That's exactly what Surrey Libraries' Reminiscence Collection is helping to achieve for residents across the county.

The collection is free to borrow. It supports anyone caring for someone with dementia or memory loss, whether at home, in a care setting or as part of a community group. With more than 700 items to choose from, it helps people reconnect with their past, share stories and strengthen relationships with loved ones and carers.

A treasure trove of resources

A collection of reminiscence items including photographs, postcards, keepsakes, vintage-style objects and sensory items arranged on a table.

The collection includes:

themed reminiscence boxes
games, activities and jigsaws
memory books
memorabilia packs
CDs and DVDs
sensory resources
fiction titles designed with dementia in mind
information materials

These resources are designed to stimulate memories, encourage conversation and support wellbeing. They help people stay connected to the experiences, interests and milestones that have shaped their lives.

Creating meaningful moments

An image of a person sitting in a chair holding an open magazine displaying historical images and text. Framed pictures and furnishings are visible in the background.

Photo by Arbour Care

One organisation benefiting from the collection is Arbour Care, which provides live-in care for people who want to remain in their own homes.

Jane Vincent from Arbour Care said:

"Here at Arbour Care we provide the very highest quality live-in care for people wanting to remain living in their own homes. We ensure that we enrich their lives and help them to thrive, not just physically but also mentally.

Sharing the wonderful resources from the Surrey Libraries Reminiscence Collection with our clients is proving to be a great support to our enrichment programme. We are hearing so many heart-warming stories about how our clients are reacting to all the different books, puzzles, games, curios and collections, rekindling memories and sparking fascinating conversations."

The impact has been clear to see. One client living with dementia was able to recall advertising jingles from the 1940s to the 1970s while looking through a book about toys and household products from the era. They sang along with a smile, bringing joy to both carers and family members.

Inspiring new experiences

A person seated at a dining table examines a large scrapbook with photographs and newspaper clipping. Several pages of the album are spread open in front of them.

Photo by Arbour Care

Another client, Barry, aged 95, has spent hours exploring a book about planes, trains and engineering through the decades. His renewed enthusiasm has even inspired plans to visit local attractions, including Brooklands Museum.

Stories like Barry's show how reminiscence resources can do more than unlock memories. They can also encourage new experiences, spark curiosity and help people stay active and engaged.

The power of familiar scents

A reminiscence activity box containing scent samples, including fruit cake, shoe polish and baby powder.

The collection also includes sensory resources designed to stimulate memories through smell. Scent boxes featuring familiar aromas such as freshly cut grass, pear drops, crayons and mothballs have prompted lively conversations and moments of recognition.

One client, Chris, particularly enjoyed testing her memory by identifying the different scents with her carer, with freshly cut grass proving to be a favourite.

Jane added: "So many magical moments. Huge thank you to Surrey Libraries for access to this fabulous treasure trove of resources."

Find out more

The Reminiscence Collection is part of Surrey Libraries' commitment to supporting residents' wellbeing. It helps people living with dementia stay connected to their memories, interests and experiences.

Anyone caring for a family member or friend with dementia or memory loss can register for a free Reminiscence Borrower library card at their local Surrey library. Care workers and activity organisers are also eligible.

The collection can be viewed by appointment at Woking Library. Cardholders can borrow up to 30 items for six weeks. They can reserve resources online, by email or in person. Items can be collected from and returned to any Surrey library.

Find out more about the Reminiscence Collection and how to borrow items, as well as other dementia support in libraries. You can also speak to staff at your local library.