New dementia support scheme launching in libraries

By Lucy Neill | 27 October 2026

Suffolk Community Libraries is launching a brand-new lending collection designed to support people living with dementia, their families and carers with a special event at Hadleigh Library next week.

The Brainworks Dementia Library will include a wide range of items, from daylight alarm clocks, reminiscence cue cards, memory and conversation games, and sensory items such as fidget tools, to more traditional library resources including picture books and jigsaw puzzles.

Every item has been carefully selected following extensive research and conversations with people living with dementia and those who support them.

Like any other library item, the resources can be borrowed free of charge, allowing individuals, families, carers and community groups to try products before deciding whether to purchase them.

The scheme will be officially launched with a special event at Hadleigh Library on Wednesday 4 November which anyone is welcome to join. The launch event takes place from 12:00 to 16:00 and there will be a variety of items available for people to try out and borrow.

Lisa Brennan, Cultural Health Officer at Suffolk Community Libraries, said:

“Suffolk Community Libraries is incredibly proud to have partnered with the South Rural, Eye & North West and Central Suffolk Integrated Neighbourhood Team and Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council to introduce this new lending collection. 
 
“Whether you are caring for a loved one with dementia or supporting someone through your work, we hope the Brainworks Dementia Library helps people discover new resources, try items before they buy them, and find fresh ways to connect, communicate and bring more joy into everyday life.”

Alongside the new Brainworks Dementia Library, Suffolk Community Libraries has also launched a new Memory Library Card, designed specifically for people living with dementia. 

The free card offers an extended loan period of up to six weeks, compared with the standard three-week borrowing period, and removes overdue charges. Customers will not be asked to provide proof of a dementia diagnosis in order to access the scheme. 

The initiative aims to make libraries more accessible and welcoming for people living with dementia, while helping them continue to enjoy reading, reminiscence, creativity and social connection through their local library. 

The Brainworks Dementia Library was developed in partnership with the Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs) and funded by the INTs, and Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council.

The full Brainworks Dementia Library collection of items, as well as recommended books for both children and adults, will be available to browse on the Suffolk Community Libraries website after the launch event.