Imagine going to the doctor and getting a prescription that needs to be filled at the library.
Beginning in May visiting the doctor in the UK can result in a prescription for books. Doctors can choose from a pool of 30 books dealing with specific conditions to “mood boosting books” chosen from fiction and poetry. Doctors “will write out a prescription that will give patients immediate membership at the local library, with recommendations for titles rather than letting their patients rely on Google’s search results.”
And better yet, the funding comes from the health budget and not the strained library budget.
Can’t think of a better way to start the newly unveiled Promise of Libraries Transforming Communities Initiative then by having a trained bibliotherapist on staff at every big city library.
If you don’t want to wait until May the School of Life in London offers a Bibliotherapy service for both adults and kids.
Previously on Book Patrol:
Books by Prescription
More at the Independent:
The medicinal power of literature: Books on prescription to be introduced
images via School of Life