Clwyd West AM Darren Millar visited Colwyn Bay Library this week to mark National Libraries Week and to celebrate the launch of a new community-based dementia project. 

Libraries Week takes place between the 8–13 October to celebrate the nation’s much-loved libraries and this year the focus is on wellbeing, with  libraries across the country showcasing how they bring communities together, combat loneliness, provide a space for reading and creativity and support people with their mental health.

Darren joined staff at Colwyn Bay on Monday to mark the start of the library’s new ‘Reading Well Books on Prescription for Dementia’, a community-based health service, providing an expertly curated range of books to public libraries, aimed at fostering a better understanding of dementia.

The collection includes information and advice for people living with the condition and their carers, as well as those who may be concerned about their memory. The books include titles of fiction, memoir and photographic books for reminiscence therapy.  Health professionals can recommend books using the leaflets. 

Darren, who cut the cake at the launch, said:

“This is a fantastic project which will be of huge benefit to those with dementia living in my constituency. Dementia will increasingly effect all our lives and raising awareness and creating a better understanding of it in any way we can is essential to ensure that thoes living with the condition are treated with the care and respect they deserve.

“The books will also be of great benefit to people with dementia themselves and I urge anyone with memory problems, or concerned about a loved one’s memory, to pop along to the library.”

Darren added:

“I very much enjoyed my visit to Colwyn Bay Library and would like to thank staff for showing me the facilities on offer for the local community. The Library also provides learning opportunities and access to important IT and internet facilities that can be used to help people find jobs and improve employment opportunities.”