Books on Prescription (BoP) has been running for over 10 years in Camden and Islington. It is a joint enterprise between Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust and Council libraries; and the service is available in all libraries across the two boroughs. In 2013 ‘The Reading Agency’ launched a national scheme of self-help books and the two book lists have been combined; this is what you’ll find in your local library. Self-help reading is recommended for common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
The books give information and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to help people understand and manage common mental health problems.
Camden and Islington Council libraries
The books are free for all people and signing up to the library is easy when taking out these books; no need for proof of address etc. Despite the name, you don’t need a ‘prescription’; you can go into your local library and browse all of the books. However, your GP or therapist can provide a ‘prescription’ if you would like to take something into the library.
There are also additional services available in the libraries that you can access: free computer use and courses, free public Wi-Fi, parent and baby groups, ‘knit and natter’ clubs, children services, home library services, study spaces and a warm space to read the newspaper!
What books are available?
The books are approved by mental health practitioners and cover a wide range of topics, including: Anxiety, Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Social Anxiety, Low self Esteem, Stress, Post Natal Depression/Motherhood, Anger, Eating and Body Image problems.
For a complete list please click here.
