There is growing evidence that self-help reading can help people with certain health conditions get better.
Reading Well has been designed to ensure library visitors can access and loan self-help books that provide advice and tips to help manage their health and well-being.
The collection provides information including self-help techniques that borrowers can adopt and use to combat common conditions such as anxiety, depression, phobias, low self-esteem, insomnia, panic and agoraphobia, obsessive compulsive disorder and eating disorders.
The Reading Well scheme is endorsed by health professionals and the collections are available for loan at:
- Chelmsley Wood
- The Core
- Hobs Moat
- Shirley
- Some titles are also available at Balsall Common, Castle Bromwich and Knowle libraries.
Here are lists of the books available for loan:
Reading Well for long-term conditions
Reading Well for mental health for adults
Reading Well for mental health for children
Reading Well for mental health for young people
More information on the scheme is available at the Reading Well page
Reading Well for dementia
Reading Well for dementia recommends books you might find helpful if you have dementia, are caring for someone with dementia, or want to find out more about the condition.
The books include information and advice, help after diagnosis, practical support for carers and personal stories.
Collections are freely available for everyone to borrow from:
Your GP and another health professional may have also recommended one of the titles.
See a list of Reading Well for dementia titles available for loan.