Reading Well
Reading Well supports people to understand and manage their health and wellbeing using helpful reading. The books are all recommended and endorsed by health experts, as well as by people living with the conditions covered and their relatives and carers.
There are currently four Reading Well booklists for adults, young people and children. For more information visit The Reading Agency's Books page.
All of the books can be reserved for free to borrow from your library of choice for up to 6 weeks. Many of the books are also available as e-books and audiobooks. Library members can download eBooks and eAudio free of charge and read or listen to them on a computer, tablet, smartphone or eBook reader. You just need to be a member of the library.
- Find out how to join the library
- Find your local library
- Find out more about our eBook and eAudio service
Reading Well for dementia
The Reading Agency has launched a new Reading Well for dementia scheme. The scheme aims to support people living with dementia, their carers, and their family members. It offers quality-assured, evidence-based reading recommendations.
Reading Well for dementia promotes understanding and helps to break down stigma around dementia. Some of the recommended books provide information and advice. The list also includes personal stories and children's fiction.
Reserve the Reading Well for dementia books, for free, to borrow from your local library.
Reading Well for Teens
Reading Well for teens suggests recommended reading and digital resources to help you understand your feelings and boost your confidence. Teens and health and wellbeing experts have chosen the books to help you manage your emotions and cope with difficult times.
The booklist is targeted at teenagers (13 - 18 year olds) and includes a range of reading levels and formats to support less confident readers and encourage engagement.
The Reading Well for Teens books can be reserved for free to borrow from your library of choice.
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.
For more information on Mood-boosting books visit the Reading Agency's website.
Reading Well for children
Reading Well for children recommends reading to help children understand their feelings and worries and cope with tough times. The books have been chosen by children, carers, health experts and librarians. They are endorsed by leading health organisations such as NHS England, Mind and the Royal College of GPs.
The booklist is targeted at children in Key Stage 2 (aged 7-11) and includes a wide range of reading levels to support less confident readers, and to encourage children to read together with their siblings and carers.
The Reading Well for children books can be reserved for free to borrow from your library of choice.
Reading Well for mental health
Reading Well for mental health provides books with helpful information and support for adults managing common mental health conditions or dealing with difficult feelings and experiences. Some books also include personal stories from people who are living with or caring for someone with mental health needs.
The books have been recommended by mental health professionals and people with experience of the conditions covered. They have been tried and tested and found helpful.
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