March in West Sussex Libraries is Wellbeing Month, an opportunity to highlight the positive impact of libraries, books and reading, linking up with the national Five Ways to Wellbeing initiative: Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Give and Take Notice.

Throughout the month we have planned a range of special events to support your wellbeing, including free tasters from Apetito; Wellbeing MOTs; NHS health checks; mental health drop-ins; reminiscence sessions; Saturday games; talks by authors Alexandra Heminsley and Phil Hewitt - and more!

Find out what's happening in a library near you, then read on for all the other ways we can help you this March...

Reading can benefit your wellbeing in so many ways. According to a study from the University of Liverpool, people who read regularly for pleasure report fewer feelings of stress and depression, and over a third of the nation choose reading as their ultimate stress remedy.

This month you’ll find “Read your way to wellbeing” book displays at your local library, filled with heart-warming fiction, uplifting poetry, non-fiction titles with practical advice for difficult times, and books that will make you laugh out loud. For more recommendations on mood-boosting books, check out The Reading Agency - you’ll discover some great lists compiled by readers.

Ever read a magazine on your mobile device? How about downloading a free eBook or eAudiobook? We have all these and more on offer in our eLibrary.

Why not join in with some fun for families during March? A number of libraries will be holding free outdoor Storywalks for Wellbeing, so come along to enjoy stories and feel healthy at the same time. Details of where and when will be available soon.

If there’s no storywalk near you, don’t despair! Everyone is invited to Share a Story in libraries across West Sussex on World Book Day. Sharing stories provides a secure, comforting environment which helps children to create a sense of empathy with others. Stories teach children about the world around them and can help with understanding difficult emotions or situations they may be experiencing.

Remember, our regular events for children and families run all year round. Drop in to Baby Rhyme Time, Toddler Time, Storytime, Saturday Singalong, Multi-Sensory Story Magic or Games After School to keep your family happy and healthy!

There will be special children’s book displays, “Stories to make you smile”, in all libraries during March. Check out The Reading Agency's new Reading Well for Children booklist too – all the books are available in our libraries!

When you join one of our reading groups you’ll meet like-minded people who share your passion for books.

Reading for just six minutes a day can reduce stress levels and build empathy, so make a positive change this month and find a group near you!

Would you like to give some of your time to volunteering for the library service?

Whether it is helping at one of our smaller community libraries; delivering books to people who are not able to go to a library building; helping customers with IT; supporting children’s activities or another role, volunteering has many benefits for volunteers, customers and the library. 

Melody for the Mind sessions are informal, dementia-friendly singing groups, open to all and designed to boost mood and wellbeing whilst singing or listening to a variety of well-known songs and rhymes.

Already running successfully at Broadfield, East Grinstead and Southwick libraries, Chichester will be launching its new group on Thursday 5 March at 2.00pm.

Everyone is welcome to come along and take part.

Reading Well is a scheme to help you understand and manage your health and wellbeing using specially selected books.

There are five different lists of books which are all endorsed by health experts, people living with specific conditions, their relatives and carers.

You could be recommended one of these titles by a health professional, but you can also check the library catalogue and reserve a title online, or visit your local library and choose one for yourself. Look out for special displays in Bognor, Crawley, Littlehampton and Worthing libraries during March.

Don't forget that libraries run a whole range of regular activities where you can meet friendly people, learn a new skill, relax and chat.

These activities include Knit and Natter, Relax with Colouring, Board Games and lots more.

What have you got to lose? Come and give it a go!

Make sure to have a look at the library website for all our other wellbeing resources. This includes information about our resources for people living with dementia and our reminiscence collections.

Let your library improve your wellbeing this month - and every month!