Memories Are Made Of This
The Reminiscence Room housed in Darlington Library, designed to spark conversations and memories of the past, has been enhanced through a gift from Darlington Rotary.
The cash gift from Darlington Rotary has enabled the library to buy 10 ‘memory boxes’ containing articles, photographs and other material which sparks interest in older people and helps those with dementia.
They are housed in the newly refurbished Reminiscence Room at the library - the former original Ladies Reading Room - which was visited by Darlington Rotary President Jeff Mann this week.
Mandy Fay, the Local Studies and Reference Team Leader at the library, said: ‘The room is bookable and free and we’d like to get the message out there that it is a service that anyone can use, whether they are new to the area or were born and brought up in Darlington.’
The boxes have different themes, such as growing up in the 50s and 60s, Christmas, shopping, women’s war, transport and the Royal family.
Mandy said she had researched the idea through other libraries and it had been found to be very beneficial for the older population. The room was first opened after the library was restored in September last year.
‘There is interest from care homes and we also loan the boxes out to them. We’re very grateful to Darlington Rotary for helping develop this service.’
Library Manager Suzy Hill said: ‘The library also has a ‘golden moments’ group which meets monthly and attracts older people and, working with Alzheimers UK, those with dementia.’
Jeff Mann said: ‘It’s a pleasure to help local services who are doing so much to make life better for people in the town.’
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Pic – Suzy Hill (right) and Mandy Fay at the library