A chapter a day keeps the doctor away

Libraries up and down the country are supporting people with mental health issues.

As we mark World Mental Health Day on Wednesday 10th October, the Society of Chief Librarians (SCL) is focused on helping people deal with mental illness. The worth in doing this is only too clear:

• Reading can reduce stress levels by up to 67% and social activities based on reading, such as reading groups, promote well-being, combat isolation, and help bring people closed together in communities.
• Books can also help with more serious mental health issues such as dementia. Evidence suggests that reading can reduce the level of dementia by 35%.

SCL is working with public libraries to promote mood-boosting books chosen by The Reading Agency. The charity’s promotion is aimed at individuals experiencing mild to moderate mental health conditions – and anyone wanting an uplifting read. Readers around the country have recommended fiction, non-fiction and poetry titles that have made them feel better.

Recommended reads include books such as The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, and Wildwood: A Journey Through Trees by Roger Deakin. SCL and The Reading Agency want to get people recommending mood-boosting books on World Mental Health Day – why not tweet your suggestions using #moodboosting?

Janene Cox, President of Society of Chief Librarians has said:
“Libraries play a key role in our communities and are aware of the power of reading, using books to deal with mental health issues is a key way in which people can help themselves to recover. We are proud to have worked with The Reading Agency to recommend books that can help people”.

Miranda McKearney, Director of The Reading Agency has said:
“Mood-boosting Books shines a light on the power of books to help people feel better. And social reading activities, like being in a library reading group, are a great way to combat isolation and to meet people.”

Notes to Editors

• For media enquiries, and for further information about what specific libraries across the UK are offering please contact Emily Hamilton on 020 3397 0100 or Emily.hamilton@westbournecoms.com

• The Society of Chief Librarians is a local government association made up of the chief librarian of each library authority in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. SCL is building key partnerships with national health bodies such as the Department of Health and the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Programme to ensure libraries provide the best support.

• The Reading Agency is an independent charity with a mission to inspire more people to read more. To view the Reading Agency’s suggested ‘Mood Boosting Books’ click here.

• World Mental Health Day raises public awareness about mental health issues. The day promotes an open discussion of mental disorders and investments in prevention, promotion, and treatment services. This year is the 20th anniversary of World Mental Health Day and the theme is ‘Depression: A Global Crisis’.