Books on Prescription for Children and Young People

Tameside Libraries and Tameside Children's Trust have joined together to offer a Books on Prescription scheme for children, young people and their parents and carers via GPs, health professionals and other people who work with children and young people. A list of over 70 high quality self-help books and CDs 273.54 KB  has been created which will be used to help young people cope with common mental health problems, and other issues that affect their health and happiness. 

N.B. The books and CDs in the scheme are available through Libraries in Tameside. Though some titles may be available via Derbyshire Libraries they are not partners in this scheme.

What is Books on Prescription for Young People?

The Books on Prescription scheme aims to help you with problems that may affect your health and happiness. These are just a few of the subjects covered in the scheme:

• depression
• low confidence
• bullying
• healthy living
• managing anger
• dealing with stress
• coping with family problems

Many of the books in the scheme are self-help titles. They will give you advice and information and set you things to do to help you feel better.

Can books really help me feel better?

Yes, they can. There is evidence to show that books can really help. The more effort you put in to doing what the books say the better the result is likely to be.

How does it work?

Doctors, teachers, or other people that work with young people will prescribe you a book they want you to read. You will be given a prescription slip to take to the library. Your parent or carer might also be given a prescription for a book that will help them understand how you are feeling.

What do I need to do?

Take your prescription to any Tameside Library and we will get the book for you. Remember to take your library card with you. If the book is not available that day, we will get it for you as soon as possible, free of charge, and ring you when it is ready to collect. 

What if I am not a member of the library?

You will need to join the library to borrow the book. It is free and easy to join. If you are under 16 your parent or guardian will need to sign your application form.

How long can I have the book for?

You can borrow the book for 6 weeks, if you need to keep it longer you can renew it for another 3 weeks as long as no one else is waiting for it. You can renew books by:

• taking them back to the library
• ringing 0161 342 2029
• logging in to your library account at www.tameside.gov.uk/libraries

Using the Books

In some of the books there might be worksheets or quizzes for you to fill in. Please don’t fill in your answers in the book. You can photocopy the book at the library if you need to.

Will you tell anyone else that I have been prescribed a book?

Library staff won’t tell anyone that you have been prescribed a book. We will treat you with respect. If you feel too embarrassed to pick up the book that has been suggested for you, you can always ask your parent or carer to pick it up for you.