Memory Sparks Bags
Published on 28 October 2026 04:51 PM
Now available from your local library to help spark memories
Guest blog by Elaine Roberts
Librarian – Health and Wellbeing/Greener Together, Gloucestershire County Council
Gloucestershire Libraries is pleased to announce the arrival of Memory Sparks Bags. Supported by Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust and aimed at those who are living with memory loss and dementia, these bags certainly live up to their name, helping to spark memories and stimulate conversations.
They consist of 24 themed bags with multi-sensory contents, including pictorial books, favourite characters, aroma cubes and tactile objects which complement the theme. There are 12 popular themes included in the collection, ranging from Childhood; Holidays and Celebrations; the Decades (1950s/1960s and 1970s) to Down Memory Lane and Sport. Hopefully something for everyone...
Individuals, families, care homes and community centres may borrow them for three weeks at a time. Whilst one bag is on loan, another may be reserved – just like books! The only requirement is that you are a current member of the library. For further details, if required, please contact your local library.
We would love to receive feedback regarding our Memory Sparks bags, so please don’t hesitate to email: Elaine.Roberts@gloucestershire.gov.uk
As interest grows, additional financial donations will help expand the range of themes, refresh resources and make the bags available to even more people across the county. If you would like to support the project, a donation can be made through the Gloucestershire Libraries Support-Us page.
We're here to support you.
If you - or a loved one - has a memory concern, our non-medical Dementia, Diagnosis and Memory Support service is here to help.