Reading for health

Lancashire libraries are a great place to start your "Reading for health" journey. Reading or listening to books on a regular basis helps people to lead happier and healthier lives, where they feel more positive and satisfied. It is also a great way to find out about new things, question the way you think or simply take you 'out of yourself' for a while. Take a look at our catalogue to find a book to start your journey.

We offer a range of ways you can access our book collections and information. You can join the library online or at your local library. It's free to join and there are no age restrictions.

Our "Reading for Health" offer includes book schemes which provide helpful information and self-help techniques for managing common conditions, including anxiety and depression. These books have been recommended and are used by health professionals in the treatment of health and wellbeing conditions.

Reading Well Books on Prescription

We work with The Reading Agency to deliver an initiative called "Reading Well Books on Prescription". The scheme includes a recommended book list for common mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, phobias and some eating disorders. It also includes books on living with long term conditions. The books are available in Lancashire libraries.

Reading Well for Children

Reading Well for children recommends reading to help children understand their feelings and worries and cope with tough times. The books have been chosen by children, carers, health experts and librarians. The booklist includes a wide range of reading levels to support less confident readers, and to encourage children to read together with their siblings and carers.

Reading Well for Children Booklist

Reading Well for Teens

Recommended reading for 13 – 18-year-olds to help manage feelings, boost confidence, manage emotions and cope with difficult times. The books have been selected by teens and health and wellbeing experts.

Reading Well for Teens Booklist

Reading Well for Mental Health

Each title offers invaluable support to people with mental health needs and their carers. This booklist will help people to read well to stay well and is penned by bestselling and highly regarded authors Matt Haig, Sathnam Sanghera and Ruby Wax.

Reading Well for Mental Health Booklist

Books on Prescription - Dementia

These books offer people living with dementia, their families and carers, practical information to understand what dementia is, how to recognise it and how to deal with it; as well as experiences of people living with dementia.

Books on Prescription – Dementia Booklist

Reading Well for Long Term Conditions 

This scheme offers people living with long term conditions and their carers high-quality book-based information, support and advice on a range of conditions.  It covers conditions such as diabetes, stroke and heart disease, as well as common symptoms such as fatigue, pain, wellbeing and sleep problems.

Reading Well for Long-Term Conditions Booklist

Memory Boxes

We have a wide selection of memory boxes which contain objects to stimulate memories of experiences, people and places. They cover a wide range of topics including:

Childhood, Holidays, Home / The Household, Working Life, Entertainment / Going Out, Transport, Sport and The Services / Wartime Britain.

Memory boxes are an excellent resource for professionals working with the public – such as health workers and older people's services.

Memory boxes can also be loaned to library members – please speak to a member of staff for more details.

Act On It

This new programme offers people the chance to perform plays in a fun and informal way. It offers an exciting opportunity to meet new people, explore thoughts, feelings and emotions through a shared acting experience, with lots of stress busting laughs along the way.

'Act On It' can improve your self-confidence, satisfaction, motivation and focus, as well as promoting your overall health and well-being.

We offer a varied choice of play themes to suit your needs, anything from a rip-roaring comedy to a 'whodunnit', all to allow for a friendly and inclusive experience. We also have specially chosen sets which are suitable for children.

For further information and details of how to borrow Act On It play sets, contact our team: Telephone: 01772 534030 Email: musicdrama@lancashire.gov.uk