Reading is good for you

The first year of a pioneering scheme has seen nearly 11,500 people countywide borrow library books to help improve their health and wellbeing.
Self-help books are available in Lancashire librariesSelf-help books are available in Lancashire libraries
Self-help books are available in Lancashire libraries

The Reading Well Books on Prescription scheme offers 30 self-help books available in each of the county’s 74 libraries.

The books can be recommended by GPs and other health professionals to help treat mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression or a phobia.

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Alternatively people can simply find the books in the self-help section of their local library or search the online catalogue if they know the title or author.

A recent national survey showed that nearly everyone who had borrowed a book from the list of 30 titles said it had been beneficial.

In addition, nearly three quarters found their book had helped them understand more about their condition and feel more confident about managing their symptoms.

The scheme is run nationally by The Reading Agency and Society of Chief Librarians, and supported by the county library service.

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