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Happiness challenge
We want to know how your library makes you feel happy.
Take the happiness challenge and tell us how visiting the library makes you smile.
Do you come to our events? Do you enjoy reading library books? Do you use our online services or our computers?
If you'd like to take part in the challenge, you can tell us by emailing your library or by commenting on our Facebook happiness survey.
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Reading for pleasure
Did you know there are hidden benefits for your health and wellbeing when you're reading for relaxation or escapism?
Research shows that reading for pleasure for just 30 minutes a week boosts your health and wellbeing. It relieves stress and anxiety, aids sleep, and improves confidence and self-esteem.
It's good for your brain too. Reading and engaging with a story keeps your brain active - all the more reason to read the books some of your favourite TV dramas or films are based on!
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Mood boosting books
If you sometimes feel overwhelmed, or want to understand and manage your wellbeing better, then Reading Well books can help.
Choose from collections of self-help and fiction titles recommended by health experts for adult mental health, teenagers, and children.
Have you seen the recently updated Reading Well collection for people living with or caring for someone with dementia?
Your library will have many more self-help and feel good fiction books too. Just search the catalogue, browse the shelves or ask a member of staff.
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Why not put a smile on someone's face (and your own) by reading together?
Reading is often seen as a solitary activity, but it needn't be. Shared reading reduces loneliness, and it's a great way to make new friends.
You could join a library reading group, like our Keen Cooks pictured above. Ask your library if they have a reading group or check their web page for details.
Reading together is also a great way to create a bond with your child!
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Reading builds emotional intelligence and empathy in children as well as adults. It helps them develop their social and cognitive skills, and their creativity.
And it's fun! Just bring your under 5s along to a Songs and Stories session and find out for yourself.
Every year 100s of youngsters develop their reading habit over the summer holidays, by taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge. They read any six books and earn a medal and certificate for completing.
This year's challenge, Marvellous Makers, starts in July so look out for special events over the summer.
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It's not just books
What could be better than relaxing with a refreshing drink, nibbles and reading the latest edition of your favourite magazine? Perhaps you want to find out about the latest tech, get gardening advice, or try a new recipe? Buying a car? Going on holiday?
Whatever your interests are, you're sure to find something from the 1000s of digital magazines on Libby.
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Did you know that as well as book groups, libraries have lots of other social activities to get involved in?
There's something for all ages, from weekly pre-school activities or family STEM workshops, to family history or language groups, crafts, games and coffee mornings.
Activities vary by library, and you'll find details of regular and special events on your library's web page or Facebook.
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Research has shown that volunteering benefits people of all ages by increasing feelings of self-esteem, social connection and well-being?5
Summer Reading Challenge volunteer receiving a thank you certificate at Wilmslow Library
Volunteering is a great way to feel good whilst doing good. It's rewarding for you and the people you're helping.
Every year we enlist the help of enthusiastic volunteers to help us deliver the Summer Reading Challenge, and our IT Buddies help people get online throughout the year.
We also have a wonderful team of volunteers who deliver books to people who can't visit the library: “I have been a library volunteer for a couple of years now and it has been a most rewarding experience. I get to meet a lot of different people… and it gives me a great sense of fulfilment.” (Home Library Service volunteer, Congleton Library)
If you've got time to spare and skills to share, get in touch with your library or find out more about the roles we have available on our website.
5 Brown KM, Hoye R, Nicholson M. Self-Esteem, Self-Efficacy, and Social Connectedness as Mediators of the Relationship Between Volunteering and Well-Being. J Soc Serv Res. 2012;38(4):468–83.
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Mental Health Awareness Week and Maternal Mental Health Month took place in May, and it's Loneliness Awareness Week soon, so it's the perfect time to reflect and look at how libraries make you feel better.
We hope you'll take the time to tell us.
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We hope to see you soon!
We always welcome feedback about our services. If you have enjoyed this newsletter or have any suggestions for improvement, please send us an email to libraries@cheshiresharedservices.gov.uk.
Alternatively pop into your local library and let the staff know. Thank you.
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