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 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 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.
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.
Reading Well for Young People – Shelf Help
These books provide 13-18 year olds with a set of 35 books endorsed by young people with first-hand experience of mental health issues. Topics include anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorders as well as difficulties of life such as bullying.
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.
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