Books on Prescription

Free access to books and information is a dream to some people in the world. Here in New Zealand our Public Libraries are free and welcome all people from all walks of life. 

Libraries have transformed from quiet, print-based institutions to community-focused spaces that offer much more – e.g. audio books and music; computers and wifi; eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines; book discussion groups; author talks; and children’s events.

Dunedin Public Libraries is part of the Books on Prescription scheme that was launched in November 2013 in partnership with WellSouth Primary Health Network. It provides access through local libraries to evidence-based books reviewed and recommended by mental health professionals. The books are used in conjunction with counselling and/or medication, as well as to help friends and family of those with mental illnesses understand their condition. It is a UK model that has proven to be a very effective way of helping people with common mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety and phobias.

HOW IT WORKS

A health professional such as a GP or Clinical Psychologist will ‘prescribe’ a book or books for a client. The client will bring the prescription to their local library for it to be ‘filled’. A staff member will locate the book or, if the item is checked out, put a free hold on the item on behalf of the client. The client may choose find the book themselves, if they prefer, by checking the library catalogue. Books and sound recordings specific to the Books on Prescription collection are marked on the spine with a special sticker and can be found on the First Floor of the City Library and at the Community Libraries. Included in the collection are five e-books, which can be downloaded via the Library website. Borrowers are authorised to photocopy a small number of pages from Books on Prescription books free of charge. If the client is not currently a member of the library, the prescription they bring with them can be used as proof of address to enable them to join the library.

There are many benefits for the client: no side-effects; no rebound effect when treatment comes to an end; more immediate effects than some medication; plus research shows that reading improves mental well-being and reduces stress levels. Clients benefit from knowing more about their problems and learning psychological tactics to deal with them. They can feel empowered from taking some control of their road to wellness.

There are so many self-help books published these days and the information that some contain can be confusing, misleading and even inaccurate. Dunedin Public Libraries staff can recommend Books on Prescription items with confidence that their content is accurate and authoritative.

The scheme will expand in the future to include other health conditions such as chronic conditions e.g. diabetes, obesity, and also to highlight mood-boosting fiction, audio, visual and web-based resources.

Shirley Jones  |  Senior Library Assistant

Top Books on Prescription Issues at Dunedin Public Libraries:

The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts. Gary Chapman
I had a Black Dog His Name Was Depression. Matthew Johnstone
The Mindful Way Through Depression. J. Mark Williams
Overcoming Anxiety. Helen Kennerley (This is the book most commonly recommended by prescribers)
Overcoming Low Self Esteem. Melanie Fennell
A Story of Hope: All Blacks Don’t Cry. John Kirwan

For more information about Books on Prescription visit http://www.booksonprescription.co.nz/

Click on the attachment view a presentation about the programme.