Health and wellbeing - Print version

Health and wellbeing through libraries

Coventry libraries believe that health and wellbeing matters. We see ourselves as an accessible none threatening space where people can access information and support at a time that’s right for them.

We play an important role in supporting health and well-being in communities and we’re committed to helping to reduce health inequality in the city.

By working closely with partner organisations we offer support to those that need it most and provide a robust health offer for the people of Coventry.

This includes:

• Reliable health information resources such as free cancer support resources from Macmillan Cancer Support.
• Professionally recommended Reading Well Books [/covlibrariesreadingwell] to help people manage their health and wellbeing. These trusted resources offer support around mental health, dementia, long term conditions, and young people’s mental health.
• Health pop up stands and sessions [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/whatsonlibraries] including health checks, baby clinics, and support around mental well-being.
• Health events – every year we organise special health events to tie in with national campaigns such as Dementia Action Week and World Mental Health Day. These events give people the opportunity to meet and talk to partner organisations that may be able to support them.
• Activities for wellbeing – Regular events for both children and adults [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/whatsonlibraries] provide the opportunity to meet new people and learn new things.
• Assisted Digital Access – We offer free Wi-Fi and computer access, as well as sessions to help people get to grips with unfamiliar technology or improve their digital skills.

Health and wellbeing support

• Mental health and wellbeing support in Coventry [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/mentalhealth]
• Autism Book Collections [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/autismbooks] including specially selected books for children, teenagers and adults on autism and Asperger's syndrome. Some of these titles are available from our free ebook and eaudiobook [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/ebooks] service.
• Health, Fitness, Wellbeing, Meditation, Mindfullness, Healthy eating and recipes are available as free ebook and eaudiobook [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/ebooks]
• Men's Health, Women's Health, Wellbeing Weekly and Running e-magazines are free with our service from Libby [https://libbyapp.com/]
• E-newspapers are free with our service from Pressreader [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/enewspapers]

Reading Well for health and wellbeing

Coventry Libraries are proud to offer Reading Well Books on Prescription and Reading Well mood-boosting books at all our libraries

Reading Well self-help books

Reading Well helps you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing using helpful reading. The books are all chosen and recommended by health experts, as well as people living with the conditions covered and their relatives and carers. You can be recommended a title by a health professional, or you can visit your local library and take a book out yourself.

Some titles are available to download for free as eBooks [/ebooks].

There are five book lists available:

1. Reading Well for mental health [https://reading-well.org.uk/books/books-on-prescription/mental-health]
2. Reading Well for teens [https://reading-well.org.uk/books/books-on-prescription/teens]
3. Reading Well for children [https://reading-well.org.uk/children]
4. Reading Well for dementia [https://www.reading-well.org.uk/books/books-on-prescription/dementia]

The books are available for anyone to access from their local library for free. Friendly staff will be on hand to help you join the library if you are not already a member.

Reading Well for teens

Reading Well for teens [https://reading-well.org.uk/books/books-on-prescription/teens] supports the mental health and wellbeing of teenagers, providing helpful information, advice and support to help them better understand their feelings, handle difficult experiences and boost confidence. The list has been developed as an update to the 2016 Reading Well for Young People (“Shelf Help”) list and is focused on supporting teens’ mental health and wellbeing in a post-pandemic context.

Reading Well for mental health

Reading Well for mental health provides information and support for people with common mental health needs and for dealing with difficult feelings and experiences. The books are all endorsed by health experts, as well as people with personal experience of mental health conditions. The books include information on approaches such as CBT and mindfulness, as well as common mental health conditions including depression anxiety, OCD and others. The collection also includes personal stories and advice for carers.

Watch this short video to find out more:

Download the Reading Well for Mental Health book list [/downloads/file/27802/reading_well_for_mental_health_booklist].

Reading Well for Dementia

Reading Well for Dementia recommends helpful reading for people living with dementia. There are also books on the list for family members, friends and carers, including young children. The books provide reliable information, advice and support as well as personal stories.

The list also includes a wide range of formats including eBooks and audiobooks and a selection of digital resources to support people affected by dementia.

The collection of books has been chosen and endorsed by leading health professionals and co-produced with people with lived experience.

Watch this short video to find out more:

View the transcript [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/directory-record/61980/reading-well-for-dementia-at-coventry-libraries-may-2024]

Reading Well for Children

Reading Well for children supports the mental health and wellbeing of children, providing children and their families and carers with information, advice and support for coping with feelings and worries, daily life and getting through a tough time. The books have been chosen and endorsed by leading health professionals and co-produced with children and families. The booklist is targeted at children in Key Stage 2 (aged 7-11), but includes a wide range of reading levels to support less confident readers, and to encourage children to read together with their siblings and carers.

Download the full Reading Well for children book list [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/31884/reading_well_for_children_book_list]

Reading Well mood- boosting books

Reading Well Mood Boosting Books is a national promotion of uplifting titles, including novels, poetry and non-fiction. The books are all recommended by readers and reading groups and are perfect when you’re in need of a boost. Visit your local library to pick up a reading well mood-boosting book today.

View all the Mood Boosting booklists [http://reading-well.org.uk/books/mood-boosting-books] on the Reading Well website.

Download the Reading Well for health and wellbeing book lists [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/4040/reading_well_for_health_and_well-being_book_lists].

Trusted health information (NHS)

NHS England working with libraries to bridge digital health divide 

NHS England is collaborating with libraries to improve access to online health services. This initiative aims to build on existing health literacy programmes and increase digital health inclusion.  

Libraries will support people to use the NHS App and NHS.UK.  

This initiative recognises libraries as trusted, accessible spaces where anyone can use computers [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/libraries-1/digital-information/4]and the internet for free.

It supports the NHS long term plan's goal to reduce healthcare inequalities and empowers people to take a more active role in managing their health.