Libraries and leisure

Books on Prescription

Introduction
One in four of us has emotional or psychological problems at some time in our lives. There are various reasons for this, such as living with a chronic health condition or the pressures of life today. Recent research has shown that tablets do not need to be the first choice of treatment for many cases.

Your GP or other health professional can prescribe a self-help book from your local library, which will give you information about your condition and suggest ways to help you manage it, if you choose to use the scheme.

The books have all been recommended by experts and offer one way of treating patients with health problems such as anxiety, depression, stress and eating disorders. The scheme, which began in Cardiff in 2003, now operates across the UK. Many patients, their families, friends and carers have found the book very helpful.

How the scheme works
Your doctor will suggest the best book for you and will give you a 'prescription' which you can take to your local library to get the book. If you are not familiar with the library the library staff will help you find the book on the shelves. Take the book to the counter to be stamped out. If the book is not on the shelf the library staff will reserve it for you free of charge.

For details of the books in the scheme, click on the link Books on Prescription booklist below. The collection is available in every library in Hertfordshire.

We welcome your feedback. To let us know what you think about the Books on Prescription information on this website, please click on Books on Prescription Feedback to the right of this page.

Further information
See the links below