Kilkenny Library Service has high quality self help books covering a range of health issues in an effort to promote the health and wellbeing of individuals and families now available to the public.
Bibliotherapy is defined as the use of reading material for therapeutic purposes. It is based on the concept that reading is a healing experience.
The effectiveness s of bibliotherapy has been well established in clinical trials.
The Power Of Words is a national bibliotherapy programme launched by the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP ), the HSE, and An Chomhairle Leabharlanna. Up to 30 recommended titles have been selected by a group of HSE psychologists and these titles are now available under the No Side Effects Scheme of Kilkenny Library Service.
The collection recommended for adults includes books on many of the psychological problems that people experience including depression, eating disorders, social phobias, panic, stress, and low self esteem.
The collection recommended for the child and family includes books on many of the psychological problems that families can experience such as behavioural problems, anger, bullying, bereavement, divorce, parenting, and self esteem.
These reading lists will also be distributed to health clinics, family resource centres, and GPs in Kilkenny.
It is hoped that these self help books will allow people to actively involve and empower themselves in their own recovery.
The collections will be housed in Graiguenamanagh and Loughboy libraries but are available to all by request.
For more information on this contact Brenda Ward, Kilkenny Library Service (056 ) 7794977 or visit www.kilkennylibrary.ie
