Health and wellbeing support and activities in our libraries (Healthy Libraries)
We work with both local and national partners (including the NHS) to offer accessible services in our libraries, including:
- health information
- wellbeing activities
- extra help using our services
You need to join the library to access the services.
Activities
The activities we offer can support wellbeing and reduce isolation.
Anyone can attend the activities we run. They include:
- knitting
- arts and crafts
- walks
We also offer support sessions for children, parents and carers including:
- child health drop-ins
- bounce and rhyme
- teen neurodiversity social club
We take part in annual community events including:
Offering these activities aligns with our Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
Find an activity
View a list of activities we offer.
You can earn BetterPoints Bucks through some of the activities.
Give us feedback about the activities
You can email [email protected] or speak to library staff.
Health services
You can access these health and wellbeing services at the library:
Most of our libraries offer blood pressure monitoring kits you can borrow for free.
You can visit a self-service health kiosk at 3 of our libraries:
- Aylesbury
- Burnham
- High Wycombe
You can use them to check your:
- blood pressure
- weight
- height
- BMI
You can borrow memory bags, reminiscence boxes, and sensory sets to help memory and spark conversation.
These 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 or view the options online:
We offer a range of dyslexia-friendly books. This includes titles from Barrington Stoke, designed to make reading easier and more enjoyable. They have:
- clearer layouts
- accessible fonts
- supportive formatting
Visit your local library to find out more.
Our eLibrary offers free:
- eBooks
- audiobooks
- magazines
You can access titles on subjects including:
- mental health
- healthy living
- dementia
- stress management
- mindfulness
You can access these through platforms including Libby, BorrowBox, and PressReader. They offer a range of accessibility features, for example adjustable text, audio options, and other tools to support different reading needs.
Library members with visual impairments can access:
- large print books
- audiobooks and e-audiobooks
- talking books from RNIB (sign up for free on the RNIB Reading Services online library)
Libraries also offer accessible technology, including large-screen computers and built-in accessibility features.
Some of our libraries can also help customers use these digital services.
The Carers Library Membership is designed to help carers who often face unpredictable schedules and responsibilities.
The Carers library card offers 2 key benefits:
- no overdue fines
- an extended loan period of 4 weeks (usually 3 weeks)
Ask staff in your local library for more details.
Health information
You can access health information at the libraries.
Healthcare books that are recommended by experts
The 'Reading Well' collections are groups of books that cover topics to support your health and wellbeing including:
- mental health
- dementia
- support for families
- wellbeing for children and teens
All the books are chosen by health professionals and people with lived-experience.
Macmillan Cancer information points
We work with Macmillan Cancer Support to give access to information and resources. This can help people with cancer, their family, friends and carers.
The resources include:
- expert‑reviewed leaflets
- booklets
- help with treatment options
- help with day‑to‑day challenges
The support is available at:
- High Wycombe
- Aylesbury
- Chesham
- Buckingham
Comfortable and relaxing spaces to use
Some of our libraries have dedicated 'Cosy Corners'. These are calm, comfortable spaces where you can sit and relax. There's information available on topics such as dementia support.
There are Cosy Corners at:
- Amersham
- Aylesbury
- Beaconsfield
- Bourne End
- Buckingham
- Burnham
- Chesham
- Gerrards Cross
- Hazlemere
- High Wycombe
- Iver Heath
- Marlow
- Princes Risborough
- Wendover
More about Healthy Libraries
View the latest updates, stories and information on our Healthy Libraries Blog.