Health and wellbeing reading resources
Page contents
Autism reading list
Autism is a lifelong, developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they experience the world around them. We have information and resources on our Autism resources page.
Books to help your child with life’s challenges
We have a collection of picture books for you to share with your child which help to explain life experiences, situations and milestones.
These include topics such as:
- visiting the doctor
- the arrival of a new baby
- starting school or playgroup
- coping with bereavement
- understanding different fears and feelings.
They are all free to borrow and reserve on a child’s library card.
Domestic abuse support
If you are living with domestic abuse, it can be very hard to ask for help, public libraries are safe places where anyone can go to find out about the support available.
Library computers are free to use to access the internet safely to seek information and support without fear of anyone being aware of the information you are checking. The computers are reset every time they are used so an abuser cannot track a search.
The library service has worked with Next Link South Gloucestershire to choose books to support victims of domestic abuse and for readers interested in widening their knowledge of the issues. These books can be read in the library or borrowed discreetly on our self-service kiosk and taken away.
Reading Well – dementia
Reading Well Books on Prescription 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. Find out about recommended books on the Reading Well dementia book list.
Reading Well – mental health for children
Reading Well for young people recommends expert endorsed books about mental health, providing 13 to 18 year olds with advice and information about issues like anxiety, stress and OCD, and difficult experiences like bullying and exams. Find out more on our Reading Well – mental health for children page.
Reading Well – teens
A list of books recommended to help with a range of issues can be found on our Reading Well – teens page.
Reading Well – mental health for adults
Our libraries offer the national Reading Well collections of books on mental health topics. Check our Reading Well – mental health booklist for titles.
Selected titles on each of the Reading Well lists are available 24/7 in digital format as eBooks and/or eAudiobooks, visit the LibrariesWest website for more information.
If you need any support in dealing with mental health issues, including self-referral for talking therapies, please see the Vita Health Group website.