Shropshire libraries get behind teen reading programme
Shropshire libraries are getting behind a reading programme for teenagers by stocking all the titles in a list newly released by the national Reading Agency.
The new Reading Well for teens booklist launches nationally today (Monday 10 October 2022) on World Mental Health Day, and the selected titles support the mental health and wellbeing of teenagers, providing helpful information, advice and support to help them better understand their feelings, handle difficult experiences and boost confidence.
Reading Well for teens
Rob Gittins, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and digital, said:-
“Our libraries service offers so much more than book lending, and have always offered a safe space for people where they are welcomed without judgement or prejudice.
“The Reading Well for teens scheme helps young people who may be feeling vulnerable or questioning their place in the world to realise they are not alone. I am pleased our libraries are stocking the titles on the reading list, and hope that people will come to our branches and discover there is so much more to be gained from visiting the library.”
Bridgnorth, Library at the Lantern, Ludlow, Market Drayton, Oswestry, Shrewsbury and Whitchurch Libraries will each hold a full set of the books. The titles are free to request from all other Shropshire Libraries, and the majority of the titles are also available via the e-library.
Further information
What is Reading Well?
Reading Well has been developed by The Reading Agency in partnership with Libraries Connected and the Society of Chief Librarians (SCL) Cymru, and is delivered with public libraries as a key strand of the Universal Health Offer. The scheme is funded by Arts Council England and Welsh Government.
Reading Well for teens supports the mental health and wellbeing of teenagers, providing helpful information, advice and support to help them better understand their feelings, handle difficult experiences and boost confidence.
The booklist is targeted at teenagers (13-18 year olds) and includes a range of reading levels and formats to support less confident readers and encourage engagement. Some of the recommended books suggest useful self-help techniques; there are also personal stories, graphic formats and fiction. Alongside the books are a selection of quality assured age-appropriate digital resources. The books have been chosen by young people, leading health professionals and library staff. The book selection panel included members of the Royal College of GPs, Royal College of Psychiatrists, Royal College of Nursing, British Psychological Society, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, NHS England, Mind, Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families and the School Library Association.
