Reading for pleasure is incredibly good for your mental health and wellbeing.
Research shows it promotes empathy and emotional intelligence, lowers stress levels, boost self-esteem, reduces depression - it even leads to better sleep.
And of course, the Library is the home of reading! Join online and borrow up to twelve books at a time. Search for books online, and if you're in need of inspiration, ask our librarians to recommend something - or check out our blog. And come along to our monthly Reading Group to chat to fellow readers.
Want to know the science behind how reading helps us? Click here for an explainer.
Most popular books
Sunshine Reads
Want to read a book that's guaranteed to boost your mood? Check out our Sunshine Reads collection.
Head to the first floor to find a special set of our favourite feelgood books - see the full list here.
Sunshine Reads
The Big Sporting Read
In 2024 we took part in the Big Sporting Read, a campaign organised by the Reading Agency and BBC Arts. Tying in with a landmark summer of sport that included the Olympics and the European Championships, it aimed to use the power of sport to inspire readers across the UK.
As well as promoting all the books on the Big Sporting Read booklist, we teamed up with the Sports Commission to add a special reading activity to their annual Community Sports Fun Day in Saumarez Park.
The Reading Agency used us a case study to showcase what campaigns like the Big Sporting Read can achieve.
