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.
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 friendly librarians for recommendations - or check out our blog to find out what we've been reading lately. And come along to our monthly Reading Group to chat to fellow readers.
Want to find out more about the science behind how reading helps us? Take a look at the infographic and article on the subject here.
Most popular books
Sunshine Reads
Our Sunshine Reads collection is a special set of our favourite feelgood books.
Including ‘The Midnight Library’ by Matt Haig, ‘The Rosie Project’ by Graeme Simsion, and ‘A Walk in the Woods’ by Bill Bryson.
See the full list here and pick up a book today that's guaranteed to boost your mood.
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.
