The Reading Agency launches Reading Well for Dementia collection

The Reading Agency is launching a curated list of books, Reading Well for Dementia, at libraries across England and Wales to help those affected by the condition. 

The series, dubbed by the charity as a “curated collection of books and resources designed to... support the health and wellbeing of those affected by the condition”, launches, in partnership with public libraries during Dementia Action Week (13th to 19th May 2024). 

Reading Well for Dementia provides an up-to-date resource that reflects national clinical guidelines, best practice, advice and support, The Reading Agency said. The collection features books for all ages across genres from academic to children’s. Among those titles featured are Jan Hall’s Dementia Essentials (Vermilion), Wendy Mitchell’s Somebody I Used to Know (Bloomsbury) and David McKee’s Elmer and the Gift (Andersen Press). 

“The new collection comprises 20 titles in England and 21 in Wales, which are carefully selected and endorsed by health experts, charities and people affected by dementia,” the organisation added. “It includes essential information and personal accounts to boost understanding of the condition for people living with dementia, along with resources for carers and age-appropriate books for children.”  

Available for free from public libraries in England and Wales, the scheme aims to improve lives through the power of reading. Relevant professionals can also recommend titles to support individuals and families. 

Angela Rippon, broadcaster and Reading Well for Dementia ambassador said: "I’ve become very involved in the world of dementia awareness after caring for my late mother who had the disease. 

“The books are going to be the catalyst that will bring people together, inform them and educate them to become much more aware and most importantly, less frightened of what a future with dementia holds." 

Karen Napier, chief executive of The Reading Agency said: “The launch, during Dementia Action Week, of our new book collection, is a significant new development of The Reading Agency’s health and wellbeing offer. Written specifically for those living with dementia, their carers and loved ones of all ages, we believe that this unique, new, quality-assured book-based resource available from public libraries could play an important role in supporting the wider community affected by dementia.” 

Isobel Hunter MBE, c.e.o. of Libraries Connected, said: “As libraries continue to increase their important role supporting dementia in communities, Reading Well for dementia is one of the many initiatives of the Public Library Universal Health and Wellbeing Offer, a national strategy that promotes the role that libraries can play in promoting the health and wellbeing of local communities.” 

The full Reading Well for Dementia list is available now at libraries across England and Wales, with titles also accessible as e-books and audiobooks. For more information, visit the Reading Agency’s website.