Reading Well

Here at Aura Libraries, we feel passionately about creating opportunities for wellbeing and supporting the community. That is why we absolutely love The Reading Agency's fantastic 'Reading Well' scheme, which focuses on the importance of well-being and the integral role that reading plays in keeping our minds healthy.

In Wales there are three Reading Well booklists: Reading Well for mental health, Reading Well for children, and Reading Well for dementia. The books are chosen by health experts and people living with the conditions covered. Anyone who may benefit from the Reading Well books can be recommended a title by a health professional, or they can visit their local library and take a book out for free. Many titles are available in Welsh and English, and leaflets can be downloaded in Welsh and English from the Reading Well website: reading-well.org.uk/wales

The Leader:

Reading is proven to help, and we have plenty of mood boosting titles available at our libraries. If you need more specific help and support, we encourage you to pop into your local library or give us a ring. We will be able to talk through the various Reading Well booklists with you and help you find exactly what you're looking for.

We encourage all our library members to discover more about the Reading Well scheme by getting in touch with us, or by visiting the Reading Well website: https://reading-well.org.uk/books/books-on-prescription

Extra help and support is available through Flint Library and Well-being Hub in partnership with BCUHB and North East Wales MIND. For more information, please contact Library Manager Susannah Hill by emailing: susannah.hill@aura.wales

Mood Boosting Reading

No spoilers but the following reading recommendations are a happy endings only zone! While they may be emotional rollercoasters at times, these best beloved books will definitely brighten your day. All of the below titles are available to borrow on Borrowbox. As a reminder, Aura Library members can access Borrowbox and RBDigital for free. All links and further details about our digital library resources can be found on our website: www.aura.wales/libraries

We recommend:

• Travels with My Aunt by Graham Greene

• The Foundling by Stacey Halls

• Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding

• About a Boy by Nick Hornby

• The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

• Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

• The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

• Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

We hope our mood boosting recommendations keep you smiling and would love to hear what you think of these titles. Connect with us on social media by sending us a message on Facebook (@LlyfrgelloeddAuraLibraries) or Twitter (@LibFlintshire): we would love to hear from you.

Reading Friends Group

It has been wonderful to see our lovely library members stay connected with us online by taking part in our Zoom reading groups. The purpose of our 'Reading Friends' Shared Reading Zoom session is to create a space for book lovers to get to together to discuss the books, articles, poems, and recipes that they have come across and enjoyed. It is a great way to socialise with others and boost your mood during these difficult times. The group is suitable for adults of all ages and take place on every second Tuesday of the month between 11am-noon, with our next session scheduled in for Tuesday, December 8.

We encourage all book club fanatics to join our Zoom reading sessions which are perfect for book lovers who enjoy sharing stories and discussing their favourite books. For more information, or to register for one of our reading groups, please email susannah.hill@aura.wales

Come and see us!

You can now visit your local Aura library to browse and choose your own books, to use a computer, or to print and access the photocopier. To use the computer you will need to make an appointment to visit so that we can make sure that there is plenty room to keep everyone safe. Our contact numbers are as follows:

• Broughton: 01244 533727

• Buckley: 01244 549210

• Connah's Quay: 01352 703730

• Flint: 01352 703737

• Holywell: 01352 703850

• Mold: 01352 754791

Visits to browse and choose books are currently limited to approximately 15 minutes, and computer sessions are currently limited to 45 minutes, and one per day. You will need your library card with you to borrow books through our self-service machines or to book a computer.

From everyone here at Aura Libraries, thank you for reading, stay safe and we hope to hear from you or see you soon! Whilst we may be facing difficult times, remember: we are always united by books!

• Aura is a charitable, not-for-profit, organisation responsible for managing the majority of leisure, libraries and heritage services in Flintshire. Aura is owned by its employees and operates for the benefit of local communities.