Libraries for health and wellbeing
Boost your happiness, reduce your stress levels, and connect with others.
Benefits of reading
Reading is a great way to relax and feel better and it can help you deal with some of life’s pressures.
Connect with your community
Your library serves as a community meeting place connecting you to local groups, clubs and societies and the people who live in your area. Come to the library to read, study, relax and socialise.
Reading Well: Books on Prescription
Reading Well Books on Prescription helps you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing using self-help reading. The books in English and Welsh are chosen by health experts and people living with the conditions covered. You can be recommended a title by a health professional, or you can visit your local library and take a book out for free. There are books for adults, children and teens to help you understand emotions and feelings, mental health conditions and dementia.
Dementia friendly
All of the staff at Denbighshire libraries are trained as Dementia Friends and aim to provide the best possible experience for customers who are affected by dementia. Your local library is the perfect place to access dementia related services.
Memory Bags
Our memory bags contain a collection of books, poems, artefacts and smells that are designed to stimulate the senses and promote reminiscence and discussion. The Memory Bags also include a ‘Creative Wellbeing Activity Toolkit’ that contains ideas for creative activities for people living with dementia, their families and carers.
The bags can be borrowed on a library card, just like a book, and can be kept for 3 weeks. There are 8 different themes to choose from, and the different bags can be reserved and sent to your local library free of charge.
Memory Boxes
Our Memory Boxes contain a variety of objects designed to awaken the senses, spark conversations and rekindle memories, and are ideal for care home or group settings. There are 5 different boxes to choose from.
Re-live a night at the cinema with our usherette tray in the 1950s Cinema box. Re-visit playgrounds and schoolrooms of the past with the 1950s School Days box, or how about a trip to the 1950s Seaside. The 1950s Shed will take you back to tinkering in the shed and DIY adventures, and 1950s Work Place will take you back to workplaces of yesteryear.
The boxes can be requested and delivered to your local library for collection, free of charge, where they can be borrowed just like a book.
Jigsaw Library
Did you know that your local library now offers a range of jigsaws which can be borrowed with a library card, just like a book?
The puzzles are all designed for adults and range from 35 to 1000 pieces. Jigsaws encourage conversation and reminiscence, and stimulate the brain, and they are great for relaxing and de-stressing. We also have a selection of large piece puzzles which are easier for people with limited dexterity.
If you are unable to get to the library because of ill health, disability, or caring responsibilities, the home library service can bring library books and resources to your home once a month. We can bring items to your home, sheltered accommodation, nursing home or day centre. You can use our online catalogue to request items 24 hours a day, too.
If you, or someone you know, would like to use the home library service, please call Ruthin Library on 01824 705274.
Talking Points
Talking Points are held in local libraries across the county where you can have a face to face conversation about what matters and is important to you.
People from a range of local organisations will be on hand to offer information, advice or assistance, and you can find out what help is available to support your health and well-being locally.