What is Well Read?
Well Read (Books on Prescription) is a scheme which has been set up by NHS Highland and Highland Libraries. It is about using books to help people who suffer from stress, depression, or other emotional problems.
How does it work?
People who use the books may have been 'prescribed' them by their GP or another health professional, but anyone can borrow them if they think the books will help them with their particular problem.
What kind of books are they?
The books in the Well Read scheme will give you information about the specific problem that you have. Many of the books have ideas for helping yourself. They suggest things that you can try or think about that will help you deal with your problem and hopefully start to feel better. The books chosen for the list are there because they are known to be good, as well as easy to understand and use. You can see the books on the list by clicking on Well Read Booklist in Current Documents, and there is also a link to the list on our online catalogue. People who have used the books before have found them to be helpful.
Some Frequently Asked Questions:
Can a book really help me?
Yes! There is good evidence showing that books can help people who have emotional problems. Of course, not everyone will be helped in this way. Self-help books work best when the reader engages willingly with the book and feels encouraged to follow the advice. Setting aside some time regularly to read the book and follow its advice will help a great deal.
How long can I borrow the book for?
You can borrow the book for three weeks – if you need it for longer, you can renew it in person, by phone or via the internet - please go to our online catalogue in External Links for more information, and to search for other books on your problem.
What if I’m not a member of the library?
If you have been prescribed a book, and you are not a member of the library, you can join very quickly. It only takes a few minutes to join, and you will be able to take your book out straight away. If you take along your ‘prescription’, the library will accept this as proof of your identity.
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What if the book I want is not available?
There are lots of copies of the books in Highland Libraries. If the one in your local library has been borrowed by someone else, the library will get you a copy from another Highland Council library as soon as they can. Every effort will be made to ensure you get your prescribed book quickly.
Is the service confidential?
Absolutely. Once your doctor has given you a prescription, you can take it to the library or get someone else to get if for you. The library staff are professional and will treat you with respect and confidentiality. This means that they will not give out any information about who is borrowing the book or what the book is about.
What if the book doesn’t help me?
We know that the books on the list often do prove helpful. They may not help everyone though. If you have tried really hard to use the book, but you find that your problems don’t get much better, go back to your doctor (or the other health professional who prescribed the book). You can also use the websites in External Links for further information.
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