Libraries across North Yorkshire are showcasing a new collection of books designed to support people living with mental health issues.
The Society of Chief Librarians and the Reading Agency, with funding from Arts Council England and the Wellcome Trust, have developed the new Reading Well scheme for mental health conditions. The books have been chosen in collaboration with health partners, people living with long-term conditions and their carers.
All libraries will display the new books and health practitioners will be made aware of the collection. As with existing Reading Well collections, health professionals can recommend titles on the list to patients. The titles are available for anyone to borrow for free through their library.
North Yorkshire County Councillor Greg White, Executive Member for Libraries, said: “North Yorkshire libraries have embraced the Reading Well books on prescription scheme for some years. This latest collection adds another strand to the support that people can find at their library, again showcasing libraries’ important role in maintaining the health and wellbeing of the communities they serve.”
The official launch of the collection took place at Northallerton library on Tuesday, 5 June, at the same time as local launches at Scarborough and Malton libraries when local health groups and partners were invited to see the collection and chat with other health providers over refreshments.
Later in the month, the new collections will be highlighted at the following events:
- Tuesday, 12 June, 10am-11am, Horton Housing Community Café client exhibition launch at Skipton library.
- Friday, 22 June, 10am-11.30am, My Neighbourhood community information drop-in event at Ripon library.
More information about the Reading Well books on prescription scheme can be found on the Reading Agency website,https://readingagency.org.uk/adults/quick-guides/reading-well/.