To help support people during the darker winter months, Powys Libraries are introducing a new Wintering Well programme.
Wintering Well Boxes
Residents can now borrow specially developed wellbeing resources.
Each box includes a therapeutic light lamp and a guidebook containing ideas for simple indoor and outdoor activities that can help people establish a healthy winter routine.
Borrowers are also able to access a free online course offering further support and information.
Five Wintering Well loan boxes are available at:
- Y Lanfa, Welshpool
- Newtown Library
- Llandrindod Wells Library
- y Gaer, Brecon
- Ystradgynlais Library
Residents can also order them through the online library catalogue and have them delivered to any library in Powys.
Each box can be borrowed for two weeks.
Powys libraries volunteer, Sammi Orme, who has trialled one of the boxes, said: “I would definitely use this again. I’ve found the light has been really beneficial and the boxes can give you some good ideas to boost your happiness during the darkness.”
Winter through the eyes of people with lived experience
A photographic exhibition is now on display at Rhayader Library until 6th January 2027.
This features photographs and personal reflections from participants in the Edinburgh and Glasgow Universities’ research project that helped develop the Wintering Well boxes.
The exhibition is expected to move to another Powys library from 11th January 2027, when a winter photography challenge will also launch ahead of ‘Blue Monday’ on 18 January.
Mood Boosting Adult Reading Challenge
As the darker months draw in, there’s no better time to discover a great book and lift your spirits. Libraries are inviting readers of all ages to take part in the Wintering Well Reading Challenge.
Running from 26 October 2026 to 27 March 2027, the challenge encourages participants to read 10 mood-boosting books chosen by young adults as stories that make them feel happy, inspired and uplifted.
Whether you enjoy heart-warming fiction, laugh-out-loud adventures, inspiring true stories or feel-good fantasy, there’s something on the list to help brighten the months between the clocks going back and the return of spring.
The Mood-Boosting Books 2026 challenge forms part of the National Year of Reading 2026, celebrating the positive impact reading can have on wellbeing, confidence and connection.
Visit your local library to pick up a challenge leaflet, borrow the featured titles and start your journey towards reading 10 books that are guaranteed to bring a smile.
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The Wintering Well programme was developed with funding from the Economic and Social Research Council.
PICTURE CAPTION: Sammi Orme testing the therapeutic light lamp, from one of the Wintering Well loan boxes, at Llanidloes Library.