Bibliotherapy

‘The book is well referenced and appears on reading to be an authoritative text on the topic. It accomplishes its aim of educating the reader about bibliotherapy as a concept and provides useful examples of how it can be used in a practical context. Given the current interest in mental health and wellbeing amongst the public and healthcare community this is a timely book.’- Sarah Rudd, Clinical Librarian North Bristol NHS Trust

‘Bibliotherapy is a deep dive into the theoretical framework of reading as a mental health alternative therapy. Readers will hear from experts in the field expanding on the theory of bibliotherapy within the context of both clinical and non-clinical settings. What librarians will find most useful about this book is the case studies. Some ideas for implementation include reading to combat loneliness and promote resilience, long-term impacts of bibliotherapy groups, engaging young people in bibliotherapy, reading for well-being, and bibliotherapy read-aloud groups with native and non-native speakers. Particularly interesting about these case studies is that the implementation methods can be considered for all types of libraries. Studies took place in public, special, and academic libraries. The challenge for librarians is to develop and pilot these programs. Luckily this text provides examples of partnering with outside organizations such as the Department of Health, local hospitals and outpatient facilities, and other nonprofits. The book highlights free resources libraries can use to get bibliotherapy programs off the ground. Libraries could use this book as a way to transform a love of reading into a therapy that can make a meaningful difference in a reader’s life. Summing Up: Recommended. Library science graduate students, researchers, and professionals.’- B. Ghilardi, Fairfield University, CHOICE

Sarah McNicol is a Research Associate at the Education and Social Research Institute, Manchester Metropolitan University. She has worked as an Information Studies researcher since 2000 and she previously worked as a school librarian. At present, much of her research is focused around the use of graphic comics and novels to explore a range of issues, in particular health and wellbeing.

Liz Brewster is a Lecturer at Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University. Her research focuses on experiences of mental health and wellbeing, particularly how creative activities such as reading may affect mental health. She has previously worked in academic and public libraries.