Libraries Health and wellbeing

Books, support and advice are available in your local library to help you to live a healthy lifestyle and manage conditions. Below is a brief overview of how your library can help.

Reading Well mental health

Self-help books chosen by health staff and covering common mental health conditions such as anxiety, stress, depression, and sleeplessness.

Reading Well dementia

Books offering help to people living with dementia, their families and carers. Each collection includes information and advice, personal stories, and ideas for therapeutic activities.

Reading Well long-term conditions

Books to help you manage health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease plus leaflets from support organisations.

Mood-boosting books

Reading is a great way to relax, and research has shown that it can be really good for our health. Ask staff in your branch for details of books hand-picked to lift your spirits.

Family health

Information for parents and carers on raising children in good health as they grow. Your library also has picture books to help children to understand difficult situations such as bereavement and divorce.

Events

We offer a range of events with a focus on health, relaxation and companionship. Check our Events page for regular updates. 

Extra support

If you are a carer or have a health condition, you are entitled to a concessionary ticket. Your library offers a wide range of large print titles, access to RNIB subscriptions and audiobooks, and if you’re struggling to get to the library, ask about the Home Library Service.

Online

Use a computer at any Shropshire library to visit the Healthy Shropshire website for all kinds of support and information on how to make healthy changes in your lifestyle. You can also find local support groups on the Shropshire Community Directory, renew and request items online and download e-books and e-magazines free of charge.

Kooth

Shropshire Libraries are now working in partnership with Kooth, the online mental health service for children and young people. Kooth is a free online counselling and emotional wellbeing platform for children and young people accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop. It can be accessed through the computers within the libraries or on their own device using the free WIFI available in all libraries. Library staff have been trained to assist with the accessing of the website. Find out more on the Kooth website.

Mobile libraries

Our mobile libraries also bring health information to you.