Read Yourself Well

The Read Yourself Well scheme aims to make self-help books easily available to everyone who has concerns regarding the following health issues:

• Low mood and worry
• Diet, nutrition and obesity
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Physical activity
• Sexual health
• Babies and breastfeeding

The scheme was launched in Northamptonshire in April 2008 and is a development of the original Books On Prescription scheme. Northamptonshire Libraries and Information Service is the lead agency and its partner is the Northamptonshire PCT.

How does it work?

• GPs and mental health workers can recommend books from a list compiled and reviewed by health professionals.
• A copy of each book on the list is stocked by every library in the county, including the mobile libraries and the prison libraries. They are part of the main library stock and can be borrowed by any member of the public.
• Staff are trained to deal sensitively with customers who wish to borrow these books.
• If the book is not immediately available, the patient is entitled to a free request.

To find out more about wellbeing services in Northamptonshire Libraries, please use the link on the right hand side of this page.