Health and Wellbeing
Reading is not only a great source of enjoyment - it can benefit our mental and physical health too.
As well as a wide range of novels and poetry, your library has a range of books on all kinds of subjects for health and wellbeing, from books about healthy eating and sport & activities, to books about hobbies and interests for you to enjoy.
Reading Well / Books on Prescription
These are titles specially selected by health professionals to help people understand and manage their health and wellbeing.
Reading Well for Mental Health - books to help people managing common mental health problems, or dealing with difficult feelings and experiences.
Reading Well for Children - books to help children’s mental health and wellbeing.
Reading Well for Dementia - a collection of books to help people living with dementia, or who are caring for someone with dementia.
Books about Cancer – recommended by Macmillan Cancer Support professionals - if you are living with cancer or caring for someone who is, we have a selection of relevant books available for loan, recommended by Macmillan professionals.
You can reserve any books you would like to borrow by clicking ’Place Hold’, and if its not already at your preferred library, we’ll bring it there for you to collect.
Blood Pressure Monitors to borrow
You can borrow blood pressure monitors, for free, from your local library.
Monitors must be reserved in advance - please contact us to request a unit, and if there is not already one at your local branch, we will bring it there for you to collect. To request a loan, please contact your local library, email, or ring the Library Line on 01874 612 394.
Dementia
Reading Well for Dementia
These are books specially selected by health professionals to help you if you have dementia or are caring for someone with dementia. Click here to explore the Reading Well for Dementia collection.
Memory Boxes
We also have a collection of Memory Boxes and Reminiscence Hampers that you can borrow. The boxes and hampers contain a range of themed artefacts to encourage reminiscence and talk. They are useful for groups and Care Homes. For information, contact your local library, email, or ring the Library Line on 01874 612 394.
Playlist for Life
A playlist of personal music can help people living with dementia, by building a list of songs that matter to them - a source of shared pleasure and conversation.
The Playlist for Life website includes downloadable resources to help you build a music playlist, or you can request the booklet in Welsh or English from your local library.
To request a free booklet, contact your local library, email, or ring the Library Line on 01874 612 394.
AskSara Powys
AskSARA is supported by Powys County Council. It is an easy-to-use website that aims to improve access to a range of self-care products and smart technology, to help make daily activities easier.
Answer a few simple questions in an anonymous way, and AskSara will produce a personalised report with expert advice written by occupational therapists.
The site is aimed at older people, carers and people with disabilities as well as children.
Carer’s card
If you are a carer in Powys you can sign up for a carers card at your local library. You can borrow up to 20 books, and we will never charge fines on overdue items.