Did you know we hold regular events and share information in your local library to help support your health and wellbeing?
The Healthy Libraries programme
Healthy Libraries is a joint initiative between Buckinghamshire Libraries and Public Health. It delivers a countywide health and wellbeing offer across all library locations, supported by a range of local and national partners, including the NHS. Together, we work to improve health outcomes for residents by providing accessible information, activities, and support within our library spaces.
The programme empowers people to make positive lifestyle choices by focusing on three key areas:
- Start Well – giving children the best foundation for life by improving development by age 2, increasing school readiness, and supporting parental mental health.
- Live Well – promoting healthy lifestyles, strengthening mental wellbeing, and supporting residents into employment.
- Age Well – reducing falls, improving mental wellbeing, and tackling loneliness and isolation to help older residents remain active and connected.
Whether you're looking to improve your wellbeing, connect with others, or access reliable health information, joining the library opens the door to a wide range of resources, services, and wellbeing activities. Join the library.
Join in with a health and wellbeing activity
Our libraries host a wide range of groups and activities for the whole community — from Knit and Natter and arts and crafts sessions to Simply Walks. We also deliver targeted health and wellbeing support for children, parents, and carers through regular sessions such as Child Health Drop-ins, Bounce and Rhyme, and a Teen Neurodiversity Social Club, alongside larger annual community wellbeing events, including Baby Week and Care Fest.
Through these activities and events, we support the priorities set out in the Buckinghamshire Health and Wellbeing Strategy, helping our communities stay connected, informed, and well.
Find a Health and Wellbeing activity in a library
You may earn BetterPoints Bucks by attending selected library health and wellbeing activities.
Your feedback helps shape our library health and wellbeing programme. Please share your views and ideas by speaking to library staff or emailing [email protected]
Access health services and information
Health and wellbeing are central to everything we do. Every library provides a wide range of services and information designed to support people of all ages across Buckinghamshire.
Health Services
Borrow a Blood Pressure kit
Most of our libraries offer blood pressure monitoring kits you can borrow for free. Visit your local library to find out more. Blood Pressure Monitors
Visit a Health kiosks
Three of our libraries—Aylesbury, Burnham, and High Wycombe—have self‑service health kiosks. These allow you to check your blood pressure, weight, height, BMI and more, giving you quick and easy access to useful health information.
Reminiscence collection
Memory bags, reminiscence boxes, and sensory sets are available to support memory and spark conversation. These resources are suitable for all ages and can be particularly beneficial for people living with dementia or experiencing memory loss. Visit your local library to find out more about these resources or view our Memory bags and reminiscence collections
Dyslexia Friendly Collection
We offer a range of dyslexia-friendly books, including titles from Barrington Stoke, designed with clearer layouts, accessible fonts, and supportive formatting to make reading easier and more enjoyable. Visit your local library to find out more.
e-Library Resources
Our digital library offers free eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines to support your health and wellbeing. You can access titles on mental health, healthy living, dementia, stress management, mindfulness, and more through Libby, BorrowBox, and PressReader. These platforms offer a range of accessibility features, such as adjustable text, audio options, and other tools to support different reading needs. Explore the e-Library
Resources for visually‑impaired readers
Library members with visual impairments can access:
- large print books collection
- audiobooks and e-Audiobooks (Explore the e-Library)
- Talking books from RNIB - sign up free of charge for the RNIB Reading Services online library.
Libraries also offer accessible technology, including large-screen computers and built-in accessibility features. Some branches provide support to help customers use these digital services.
Support for carers with the Carers Library Membership
The Carers Library Membership is designed to help carers who often face unpredictable schedules and responsibilities. The Carers library card offers two key benefits: no overdue fines and an extended loan period from 3 weeks to 4 weeks. By removing the pressure of fines and giving carers more time, the scheme makes it easier for carers to access and enjoy library resources.
Ask staff in your local library for more details.
Health Information
Reading Well collections.
Our Reading Well collections offer trusted, expert‑recommended books that support your health and wellbeing. The scheme provides helpful reading on topics such as mental health, dementia, support for families, and wellbeing for children and teens. All titles are chosen by health professionals and people with lived experience and are available to borrow from your local library.
Browse the full Reading Well collections on our website.
Macmillan Cancer information points
Buckinghamshire Libraries work with Macmillan Cancer Support to provide access to information, resources, and support for those with cancer and their family, friends, and carers. Macmillan Cancer Information Points offer free, reliable information and support for anyone affected by cancer. They provide expert‑reviewed leaflets, booklets, and resources to help with understanding cancer, treatment options and day‑to‑day challenges.
Available at the following libraries:
- High Wycombe
- Aylesbury
- Chesham
- Buckingham
Cosy Corners
Some of our libraries have dedicated Cosy Corners – calm, comfortable spaces where people can sit and relax, with information available on topics such as dementia support. Available at: Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Bourne End, Buckingham, Burnham, Chesham, Gerrards Cross, Hazlemere, High Wycombe, Iver Heath, Marlow, Princes Risborough, and Wendover libraries.
For more information about health and wellbeing, visit the {Public Health Webpage]
You can learn more about our Healthy Libraries offer through our blogs, where we share updates, stories and useful information – Healthy Libraries Blog.