Read Well

At Essex libraries there are a wealth of Reading Well booklists for everyone, covering many different aspects of mental health and wellbeing. The Reading Well collections are designed to support mental health and wellbeing through the proven power of reading. These books have been specially selected by healthcare experts and are supported by people with lived experience of the conditions they cover.

The Reading Well collections are available from every Essex library and there are three collections available:

• Reading Well for mental health

• Reading Well for young people (with a new version called Reading Well for Teens coming in October)

• Reading Well for children

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Essex County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Equality, Partnerships and Performance, said: “The Reading Well initiative is a great example of how our libraries are not only places where people can go to read for enjoyment, but places where advice and information is available for anyone needing it. “Of course, a book is no replacement for our wonderful NHS mental health services, but the Reading Well initiative offers additional support and information to anyone that may need it. These resources can be easily accessed all over the county and are available for all ages, which we hope will make a real positive difference to our communities.”

See the Essex libraries website to find details of each collection and to view the booklists they contain.

Visit: www.libraries.essex.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeingresources/reading-well-booklists

Recommended Reads

In this edition of Essex Explorer magazine, we’ve pulled together three books for every occasion. The mystery to curl up with as the nights draw in, the cookbook to ensure you cook up a storm this season and the perfect gift for friends and family.

£20

RRP HB

£26

RRP HB

The Bullet That Missed

by Richard Osman

A new mystery is afoot in the third book in the Thursday Murder Club series from record-breaking, bestselling author and much-loved TV presenter Richard Osman.

Real Life Recipes

by Tom Kerridge

Recipes that work hard so you don’t have to. Michelin-star chef Tom Kerridge is here to make your lunch, tea and weekends taste like you want them to, even if you don’t have much time or headspace. From quick tasty meals that you can rustle up on a weeknight to Sunday lunch, it’s all here.

£12.99

RRP PB

Who Are you Calling Vermin?

By Pam Ayres

Hidden beyond the bluebell woods and babbling brooks, there is great unrest in our countryside. In this lyrical satire, Pam Ayres highlights the undercurrents simmering beyond the patchwork of fields. We meet the angry fishermen who can’t afford to live in their own villages, the indignant farmers who get the blame for everything and the old man grieving for the unspoilt village of his youth. The perfect gift for family and friends. Libraries Winter Reading Challenge This winter, why not take part in Essex Library Service’s Winter Reading Challenge? The challenge follows our curious penguin family as they discover how different animals around the world celebrate the winter period.

The Challenge will be running from Saturday 26 November until Saturday 28 January and is the perfect activity for your children to take part in.

This year, we are doing things a little differently and there will be a range of challenges to choose from.

To discover more, keep an eye on @essexlibraries social media channels to learn more about the challenge and a different winter tradition each week.

Also look out for the Reading Challenge for adults which will be running at the same time.