The Reminiscence Collection
What is reminiscence?
Reminiscence is a universal experience. It can be of particular importance to older people because:
- It highlights their assets rather than their disabilities
- It can enhance their feelings of self worth and esteem
- It can help in recognising individuality and identity
- It can build a bridge between the older person and those who care for them
- It is enjoyable and stimulating
What is the Reminiscence Collection?
Library Link services based at Bedford Central Library have built up a collection of materials to stimulate and support reminiscence as part of our service to housebound readers and people living in residential homes and sheltered accommodation.
Who is it for?
Anyone in Bedfordshire can borrow the material, but it is useful primarily to those involved in the care of older people.
What is in the Collection?
Books
- Handbooks for those working with older people
- Personal memories
- Poems and short plays
- Town and country life
- Pictorial non-fiction
- Local history
- Large print
- Quizzes
Other materials
- Reminiscence videos
- Music cassettes and CDs
- Memory joggers
- Music (popular songs)
- Slides
- Photo packs
- Nostalgia postcards
- Jigsaws with large pieces
- Scent box
Reminiscence Boxes
We have recently created a number of 'Reminiscence Boxes' that have been designed for use by activity organisers in residential homes and includes multi media materials and artefacts as well as guidelines for running a reminiscence session. These may be pre-ordered and arrangements made for delivery to the home or nearest library for collection:
- Childhood - Childhood games and schooldays bring back vivid memories. The best days of our lives
- Beside the Seaside - Memories of outings, trips and holidays to the English Riviera!
- Home Sweet Home - What did women do all day? This box recalls the endless household chores
- Remembering the 50s - memorabilia defining the image and spirit of a bygone decade
- Wartime Memories - recalling life in Britain during the war and how people coped with the changes that war brought
- Afro Caribbean Interest - recalling life in the 1950s when many people came from the West Indies to find jobs in Britain and the life they left behind
- Toybox - revisit childhood games, nursery rhymes and toys of yesteryear
- Wedding Days - more information to follow!
How can I borrow from the collection?
Contact Library Link services on 01234 305383 for more information or to arrange to view the material.
- There is no charge to request or borrow items
- Arrangements can be made to deliver materials to a branch library or mobile library for collection
In view of the nature of the material as well as the high demand for it, the following loan restrictions have to be made:
- 3 weeks maximum loan period
- Items loaned must be the responsibility of a named individual, not
an Institution or Home.
Page last updated: 1st October 2008
