Book prescription scheme

Reading Well books on prescription scheme

Working together with The Reading Agency, our Public Health Department, LIFT Psychology and the Clinical Commissioning Group, the Swindon Libraries and Information Service provides books to help people with a range of common health problems. 

A list aimed at adults dealing with common mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, anger and much more.

A list aimed at children from 5 to 11, helping them to cope with worries, fears and difficult issues in a very gentle way. Suitable for parents, carers, schools and others settings.

A list for people living with dementia and carers to help people understand the issues and to help them lead fulfilling lives.

A list specifically for young people giving advice on things such as bullying, ADHD, body image and stress.

A list for long term health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease and sleep problems. 

These books are available in all five core Swindon Libraries; Central Library, North Swindon Library, West Swindon Library, Highworth Library and Park Library and can be borrowed by anyone however, a healthcare professional may prescribe you a book from one of the collections. 

Additionally some collections may be available in the Community libraries too. Please check with your local library.

How does the prescription work

A prescription may be issued by a doctor or other health professional and then book can be borrowed from your local library.

If you are not a member, you will be asked to join the library when you take your prescription in. The Library is free to join, visit the join librarywebpage to find out more details.

If the book you have been prescribed is on loan, you will be offered a free reservation so we can get the book to you as quickly as possible.

Further information 

Prescription books can be kept for three weeks and an extension may be possible if no one else is waiting for the book. Some of the books contain assessments and/or diary sheets, so you will ned to make a copy before filling them in. 

The books on the list can often be helpful, but they may not work for everyone. If you are still experiencing difficulty or distress then you need to go back to whoever prescribed the book or visit your GP for further advice. 

For further details, contact your local library or email librariesoutreach@swindon.gov.uk.

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