Reading Well books
Reading Well is a national scheme delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with Libraries Connected, endorsed by professional health bodies.
Reading Well books are recommended by health professionals to help people to understand and manage their health and wellbeing using self-help reading.
How it works
Books can be recommended by a health professional from the relevant Reading Well list:
- Reading Well for children
- Reading Well for mental health
- Reading Well for dementia
- Reading Well for young people’s mental health
- Reading Well for long term conditions
For more information on the Reading Well website.
You can also choose a book from your local library without a professional recommendation. The books can be borrowed and requested free of charge.
Where you can find the collections
You can search for your local library to see if they stock a collection.
Regular activities that can boost your health, wellbeing and happiness.
Certain libraries offer:
- reading groups
- author talks
- craft groups chess clubs English café mornings Knit and Natter sessions Dungeons and Dragons
Autism support
Our Library Service works with the National Autistic Society to offer a specialist collection of books which aim to support and inspire autistic people and their families. The collections are called 'Autism? Your questions answered'. You can request books and resources in this collection from any library in Westmorland and Furness and they are open to everyone.
The books and resources are highly recommended as being the best available by experts and professionals. Individuals and families with first-hand experience of autism who read them have found them to be useful, practical, helpful and relevant.
Our book collections cover a wide range of topics, including diagnosis, sensory differences, anxiety, sleep and social skills. The books are relevant to people on the autism spectrum and others who would just like to know more.
Autism friendly spaces
The library is a place for all members of the community. Library staff are happy to welcome and assist you. The library service is committed to offering all staff up to date Autism awareness training.
Sensory spaces and sensory bags
Many of our libraries have sensory spaces, activities and quiet times. A dedicated sensory room is available at Barrow Library. Ask your library for details. Our sensory bags are specially created bags around the themes of:
- lights and colours
- music and sounds
- touch and feel
A selection of sensory items and resources and are available to borrow and use at home.
Social stories
Social stories have been created to help you when you are visiting a library. They describe what you can expect when you visit the library, including where things are located and what kinds of items you can borrow. Reading this social story before a visit can help you feel more comfortable and confident about your visit. If you still have questions about visiting the library, please contact us. Check your local library page to view their social story.
Where you can find this support
You can find 'Autism? Your questions answered' in the following libraries:
Dementia support
Research has shown that taking part in activities based on the interests and abilities of a person with dementia can significantly improve their well-being and quality of life.
We now have a number of Dementia Resource Bags available for loan, and these are aimed for use at home with individuals or family members affected by dementia to promote reminiscence or discussions.
Each of the 6 main libraries in Westmorland and Furness has a of themed bags which include topics such as 'Gardening', 'Growing Up' 'Holidays', 'The Royals', 'Local Sports' and 'School Days'.
Where you can request and borrow the bags
You can borrow the bags for up to three weeks at at time, free of charge from the following libraries:
Home Delivery Service
A Free home delivery service is available if you are unable to visit the library due to mobility issues or ill health. Once signed up library staff will select books for you which are delivered by our amazing volunteers. Get in touch with your nearest main library to be added to the home delivery service. You can do this online via the contact the library service form.
Or telephone:
- Barrow library: 01229 407 370
- Kendal library: 01539 713 524
- Penrith library: 01768 812 100