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Reading Well for mental health: health sector consultation

Introduction

The Reading Agency is collecting feedback from professionals with experience in mental health to support the development of a new Reading Well for mental health collection. It will launch in May 2027. This information will be used alongside findings from a library sector consultation and co-production with people with lived experience of mental health problems.

This new collection will feature a list of recommended books and supporting digital resources on mental health for adults. The final focus for the list will be agreed as part of the development process, but it is likely to include common mental health conditions, experiences which negatively impact mental health and topics where there is a need for greater awareness.

This consultation provides an opportunity to respond on the overview of evidence and considerations for a new Reading Well scheme, including the prevalence, evidence of need, relevant policy and clinical guidance which is included in Reading Well for mental health evidence mapping 2026

Please complete this form by Sunday 21 June 2026
It should take around 20 minutes to complete this form. Your support in doing so is enormously appreciated. Only complete those sections relevant to your knowledge and expertise. At the end of the survey there is an opportunity to win a pack of free resources for the new scheme.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about Reading Well contact us at readingwell@readingagency.org.uk
About Reading Well
Reading Well is a national books on prescription programme delivered through public libraries. It helps people understand and manage their health and wellbeing using books recommended by health professionals and people with lived experience.

Reading Well is delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with Libraries Connected and Society of Chief Librarians Cymru with funding from Arts Council England and Welsh Government. In Wales, Reading Well is delivered bilingually in all 22 Welsh library authorities, with most titles available in English and Welsh.

The programme is a key strand of the Public Library Universal Health and Wellbeing Offer, a national strategy that promotes the role that libraries can play in the health and wellbeing of local communities. Reading Well schemes include: Reading Well for dementia, Reading Well for families, Reading Well for teens, and Reading Well for children.
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