You'll find information about the Reading Well schemes for adults on this page. Information for younger readers is on the Reading Well schemes for children, teens and young adults webpage.

You can also find many of these titles as digital books - both eBooks and eAudiobooks.

Reading Well

The Healing Power of Words

Milton Keynes City Council libraries play their part in helping people tackle all kinds of problems, from binge-eating, stress and relationship problems to managing chronic pain. 

Reading Well is a national collaboration between the Reading Agency and Libraries Connected. There are currently two schemes running:

• Books on Prescription
• Mood Boosting Books.

The aim is to improve the nation’s health through books and reading.

Books on Prescription

- aims to bring the healing benefits of reading to people suffering from a range of common health conditions.

• There is good evidence that self-help books can help people understand and manage common conditions including depression and anxiety. 
• The scheme has the backing of the Royal College of GPs as well as major nursing and mental health organisations.
• Milton Keynes Central Library now holds a special collection of titles which have been written by experienced health care professionals and are available to borrow.
• These books provide helpful information and step-by-step self-help techniques.

Reading Well for dementia

- recommends books you might find helpful if you have dementia, are caring for someone with dementia or would like to find out more about the condition.

• The books provide information and advice, support for living well, advice for relatives and carers, and personal stories.
• These books are endorsed by health professionals.
• Visit the Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia webpage for full details and book lists.

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.
• Visit the Reading Well Books on Prescription for mental health webpage for full details and book lists.

Reading Well for long term conditions

- provides information and support for people living with a long term condition and their carers. 

• The book list covers general advice and information about living with a long term condition, common symptoms and titles focused on specific conditions such as arthritis, bowel conditions, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
• The books have all been recommended by people with lived experience of long term conditions and health professionals.
• Visit the Reading Well Books on Prescription for long term conditions webpage for full details and book lists.

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.
• Visit the Reading Well Mood-boosting Books webpage for full details of the scheme and book lists.