Release date: 01 March 2022
March is Wellbeing Month at West Sussex Libraries – when libraries will be celebrating all the ways that books, reading and local libraries can help people stay healthy and well.
A special Wellbeing Month webpage has details of everything on offer, including recommendations from library staff for mood-boosting books for adults and children. You can also listen to four librarians talk about nature-themed books and how this has helped their wellbeing.
Libraries will also have special Reading Well booklists on mental health for adults, young people and children, long-term conditions and dementia. All the books on these lists are available from West Sussex libraries and are free to reserve and borrow.
During the month, West Sussex County Council’s Meals on Wheels provider Apetito, will be visiting a number of libraries to share information on the importance of good nutrition and how having a nutritious and varied diet is important for good health and wellbeing. They will also bring along samples of the delicious food they offer for visitors to try. Details of where they will be visiting and when are available on the Wellbeing Month webpage.
Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “Our wellbeing, both physical and mental, is so important, especially with the pressures we have all been under over the past couple of years with the pandemic. Reading is known to reduce stress and improve wellbeing. It promotes relaxation, provides escapism and can boost your mood.
“Keep a lookout at your local library for Read Your Way to Wellbeing displays during March. You will find a wide range of books that support wellbeing, including fiction, non-fiction, biographies and children’s books – there really is something for everyone. You can now once again drop into some of our regular activities with no need to book, including Knit and Natter, Board Games, Baby Rhyme Time and Storytime. These are open to everyone to come along, meet new people and have a chat.”
WORDfest Crawley is supporting Wellbeing Month with a talk from Phil Hewitt on his book ‘Outrunning the Demons’, on Tuesday 22 March from 7pm to 8pm at Crawley Library. Tickets cost £3.00 and can be booked on Eventbrite.
During the month, libraries will also be sharing special online wellbeing-themed storytimes, a new online reminiscence session and a full-length Melody for the Mind (a singing group for people with dementia and their carers). Keep an eye out on Facebook and Twitter to find out what else will be happening, including some outside story walks (weather permitting).
To find out about regular local events in your library, visit the West Sussex County Council website's What's on in libraries page. The Essential Delivery Service is still available for residents who are unable to visit their local library in person – just contact your local library to find out more.
