Reading for health
Discover the Power of Reading for Health and Wellbeing
Reading Well is a national initiative that harnesses the power of books to support mental and physical health. Curated by health professionals and people with lived experience, the booklists offer trusted guidance for individuals, families, and caregivers.
Brought to you by The Reading Agency in partnership with Libraries Connected, and generously funded by Arts Council England, DCMS, and the Welsh Government, Reading Well is part of the Universal Health Offer from public libraries.
Endorsed by leading health organisations including NHS England, the British Psychological Society, and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Reading Well is a reliable resource for anyone seeking support through reading.
Explore Our Reading Well Booklists
Reading Well for Families
Reading Well for Families recommends valuable reading materials to support family wellbeing during pregnancy and the early years. It provides information on wellbeing, mental health, and coping with loss. The books are aimed at parents, carers, and anyone supporting individuals from pregnancy onwards.
Reading Well for Children
This collection supports different reading levels and encourages families to read together. It was carefully selected by children, caregivers, health experts, and librarians to help children understand their feelings and deal with tough times.
Reading Well for Teens (13 – 18)
This list of books is designed for people aged 13 to 18. It includes books chosen by teens and health professionals to help young people understand their feelings and boost their confidence. The books are suitable for all reading levels.
For Mental Health
Discover a collection of books by popular authors such as Matt Haig, Sathnam Sanghera, and Ruby Wax. These books offer valuable support for mental health issues and help you stay well by reading well.
For Dementia
Originally launched in 2015 and updated in May 2024. This booklist was designed to help deepen understanding and provide everyday guidance. The collection includes practical advice and personal stories to support people living with dementia and their carers.
Lancashire Health Hub
Developed in partnership with Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, East Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay, and Lancashire County Council, the Lancashire Health Hub is designed to help people easily access trusted health information.
The site provides clear guidance on where to find nearby hospitals, libraries, and walk-in centres, along with practical advice on what to do in a health emergency. It covers a wide range of topics including mental health, physical health, courses across Lancashire and South Cumbria and what libraries services offer in libraries.
Designed to be user-friendly across all devices, the Health Hub includes features such as translation tools and search engine optimisation to help users quickly find the information they need, in multiple languages.
For professionals, the site offers a dedicated section with free e-learning packages, resources to support continuous development, and tools to enhance understanding of digital health literacy across all areas of practice.
Memory Boxes
Our themed memory boxes spark conversation and connection, especially for people living with dementia. Topics include:
- Childhood
- Holidays
- Home Life
- Work
- Entertainment
- Transport
- Sport
- Wartime Britain
Used in library events, care homes and dementia cafés, these boxes help stimulate long-term memories and foster intergenerational dialogue.
“The Entertainment box inspired a play at one care home, while the Transport box sparked vivid work memories for a resident. These boxes truly bring stories to life.”
Memory boxes are available to borrow from libraries. Ask a staff member for details.
Events and Activities
Local libraries offer various activities to support your health and wellbeing, such as:
- Bounce and Rhyme and Storytimes, which help lay the foundations for speech and build bonds between child and caregiver.
- Little Steps, our reading and play scheme, recommended for children 2 to 5 years, was created to promote children's communication, support mental health and well-being, and getting active. More information on Little Steps can be found here: Little Steps - Lancashire County Council
- Valuable support for individuals living with dementia, as well as their carers and families. In addition to offering titles from the Reading Well: Dementia book list, selected libraries host dementia-friendly activities such as singing sessions and dementia cafés. They also provide tailored resources, including dementia jigsaws and other engaging materials designed to support wellbeing and memory.
- Social groups, such as Knit and Natter, Art and Arts and Crafts sessions.
Visit the Lancashire County Council Events page to learn about events and activities.
Or follow us on:
Facebook: Lancashire Libraries | Facebook
X (formerly Twitter): Lancashire Libraries (@LancsLibraries) / X
Act-On It: Drama for Wellbeing
Join our programme, Act On It, where you can perform plays in a fun and informal setting. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, explore emotions, and enjoy stress-busting laughter.
Act-On It can boost self-confidence, motivation, and overall wellbeing through engaging and inclusive theatre experiences. We offer a wide range of play themes, from comedies to mysteries, ensuring there's something for everyone. Our collection also includes sets suitable for children, making a welcoming space for all ages.
For more information and to borrow Act On It play sets, contact:
- Telephone: 01772 534030
- Email: musicdrama@lancashire.gov.uk
Embrace the joy of reading and acting to enhance your health and wellbeing!