Books to boost your mood

Pick up a pick-me-up at your local library.

Research shows that reading improves mental well-being whatever the weather! If you are feeling stressed, depressed or just want a bit of a pick-me-up, boost your mood with a recommended read.

Libraries are the ideal place to find a mood-boosting book. As community hubs, libraries are also great places to:

Reading Well 

Health professionals endorse Reading Well.

It also signposts people to other wellbeing services in libraries, including:

  • social and recreational activity such as reading groups
  • community volunteering

Reading Well lists

There are 4 Reading Well lists for:

  • Reading Well for dementia
  • Reading Well for mental health
  • Reading Well for children
  • Reading Well for teens

The books are available to borrow from your local library.

Dementia

The booklist is targeted at people living with dementia, carers and family members including younger children to  help them understand more about dementia.

View the Reading Well for dementia booklist.

Mental health

Reading Well for mental health provides helpful information and support for 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.

View the Reading Well for mental health booklist.

Children

Reading Well for children provides quality-assured information, stories and advice to support children's mental health and wellbeing.  Books have been chosen and recommended 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 titles aimed at a wide range of reading levels to support less confident readers, and to encourage children to read together with their siblings and carers.

View the Reading Well for children booklist.

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) and includes a range of reading levels and formats to support less confident readers and encourage engagement.

View the Reading Well for teens booklist.