Health and wellbeing online resources
Book lists, online activities and other resources that can help you maintain your health and wellbeing.
Digital Health Hub
We can help you with the skills you need to access online health services. This includes things like how to make an online appointment with a GP and ordering repeat prescriptions online.
We can also show you how to find reliable health information on NHS websites and NHS apps.
These are one-to-one sessions in person in Norfolk Libraries, or online over Zoom. (We can even help you get started with Zoom!)
To book a place, call 01603 774777 or email:
libraries.iconnect@norfolk.gov.uk
Healthy Libraries catalogue
Our Healthy Libraries Catalogue is where you can search for books to help your health and wellbeing. In the discover more section, you'll find all 5 of the Reading Well booklists and a Mood-boosting booklist.
Reading Well
Reading Well supports physical and mental health for all age groups through books recommended by health professionals, librarians and people with lived experience of a range of conditions. Free to reserve and pick up at your local library or borrow instantly as eBooks & eAudio.
Information about the lists is available on our Reading Well page.
End of life and bereavement
We have a Compassionate Communities book collection on the subject of Dying and Bereavement available in the Discover More section of our Healthy Libraries Catalogue.
This selection of books can provide support for difficult conversations about end of life planning, death and guidance on life after loss.
Many Norfolk Libraries also run Bereavement Cafes where you can spend time with other bereaved people. This is an informal environment where you can share experiences, support each other or just sit and have a cuppa.
Multiply free maths courses
Multiply offers easy access to free numeracy activities and courses, both for Norfolk residents and employers.
View further information on Multiply free maths courses.
Support for those affected by dementia
If you or someone you care for is affected by dementia, we can support you to continue enjoying your library service
- Ask a member of staff to apply "Equal Access" membership to your library card
- "Come Singing" sessions take place in Norwich at The Millennium Library (2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, 10.45-11.45am and Earlham Library 3rd Friday of the month 11.15am-12pm). For more information visit www.comesinging.org.uk.
- Reminiscence Kits and packs contain a range of materials to appeal to all of the senses. We have a wide selection available through all Norfolk Libraries.
- Accessible reading options (short stories, quick reads, audio books, eAudio and large print)
- Dementia Support booklist - a collection of books which includes titles about personal experiences and practical information. Take a look at the Dementia Support booklist online.
- Create a list of music and the memories it evokes using recommended websites such as Music Mirrors (opens new window) and Playlist for Life (opens new window)
Local storyteller videos
Our collections of video clips of oral storytelling by local storytellers are available on YouTube. Suitable for facilitators of dementia friendly groups and individuals:
- Watch the first Norfolk Nature Stories collection
- Watch the second Norfolk Nature Stories collection
- Watch the third Norfolk Nature Stories collection
- Watch the fourth Norfolk Nature Stories collection
At home with Reading Friends
Library volunteers will read stories to you over the phone. Suitable for people in the early stages of dementia and their carers. Find out more in our At home with Reading Friends YouTube video
Our Homelessness offer (for People with no fixed abode)
- A lite membership for people who do not have proof of address (includes free computer Wi-Fi use plus 2 book loans)
- A safe, warm, and non-judgemental space to spend time and access computers during staffed hours, without the need for membership. Find your local library.
- Information about local health services and support services
- Free activities where you can meet other people and have a free hot drink. Find them on our What's On pages.
- Access to free sanitary products and toiletries with our Tricky Period and Toiletries to Go service
- Support through the Reading Pathway to improve your reading ability if needed
- Access to free data via the National Databank (opens new window)
Our Autism offer
- We offer an "equal access" option to help manage your book loans (you can ask a member of staff to apply this to your library card)
- If it is too noisy when you visit, we can suggest times to visit when it will be quieter
- When possible, we will do our best to adjust lighting so it isn't too light or too dark
- We are a safe space where you can be yourself
- We never worry about excited play, noise, outbursts, or meltdowns
- We are always happy to help you enjoy your visit, just let us know if there is anything you need
- Support through Reading Pathway to improve your reading ability if needed
- We have over 40 autism friendly sessions running in our libraries every month. Find autism friendly sessions in our What's On section.