Reading for health
Reading well
Reading well is a national programme that uses books to support mental and physical health. Health professionals and people with lived experience choose the booklists. They give trusted guidance for individuals, families and carers.
The Reading Agency runs the programme with Libraries Connected. Arts Council England, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Welsh Government fund the programme. Reading well is part of the universal health offer from public libraries.
NHS England, the British Psychological Society and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health support the programme.
Reading well booklists
Reading well for families
Reading well for families recommends books that support family wellbeing during pregnancy and the early years. The list includes books about wellbeing, mental health and coping with loss. It is for parents, carers and anyone supporting families from pregnancy onwards.
Reading well for children
This booklist supports different reading levels. Families can enjoy the books together. Children, carers, librarians and health experts chose the books. They help children understand their feelings and cope with difficult times.
Reading well for teens
This list is for young people aged 13 to 18. Teens and health professionals chose the books. They help young people understand their feelings and build confidence. The books suit all reading levels.
Reading well for mental health
This collection includes well-known authors. The books offer support with mental health and help people stay well.
Reading well for dementia
This list first launched in 2015 and was updated in May 2024. It helps people understand dementia and offers practical guidance. It includes advice and personal stories to support people living with dementia and their carers.
Lancashire health hub
We developed the Lancashire health hub with local NHS partners and Lancashire County Council. It helps people find trusted health information in one place.
The site gives clear guidance on:
nearby hospitals, libraries and walk-in centres
what to do in a health emergency
mental and physical health topics
courses across Lancashire and South Cumbria
what library services offer
The site works on all devices. It includes translation tools and features that help people find information in different languages.
There is also a section for professionals. It includes free e-learning, resources for development and tools to improve digital health literacy.
Memory boxes
Our themed memory boxes help spark conversation and connection, especially for people living with dementia. Topics include:
childhood
holidays
home life
work
entertainment
transport
sport
wartime Britain
Libraries use the boxes in events, care homes and dementia cafés. They help trigger long‑term memories and support conversations across generations.
Memory boxes are available to borrow from libraries. Please ask a member of staff.
Events and activities
Local libraries offer activities that support health and wellbeing, including:
bounce and rhyme and storytimes to support early speech and bonding
little steps sessions for children aged two to five
support for people living with dementia and their carers, including reading well dementia titles, singing sessions, dementia cafés and tailored resources such as dementia jigsaws
social groups such as knit and natter and art and craft sessions
Visit Lancashire County Council events to find out what is happening near you.
You can also follow us on Facebook and X for updates.
Act on it: drama for wellbeing
Act on it is our drama programme where you can take part in plays in a friendly and informal setting. It is a good way to meet people, explore feelings and enjoy laughter.
Act on it can help build confidence, motivation and wellbeing. We offer plays in different styles, from comedy to mystery. We also have sets suitable for children.
For more information or to borrow act on it play sets, contact:
Enjoy reading and acting to support your health and wellbeing.