Age UK Launch Community Bookshelf in Scarborough on World Mental Health Day

Thursday, 10 October 2024 06:00

By Matthew Pells

Age UK North Yorkshire Coast and Moors is launching a Community Bookshelf in celebration of World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2024.

The initiative aims to promote mental well-being and foster community connections through the joy of reading.

The Community Bookshelf will be a welcoming space where anyone can donate books, take a book to enjoy, or simply browse the selection.

Age UK say :

"We believe that reading can be a powerful tool for enhancing mental health and well-being, providing both escape and insight."

The creation of the new community bookshelf is supported by the National Literacy Trust on the Yorkshire Coast who have provided a donation of books to bring the shelves to life.

Its instalment coincides with Take 10 to Read, the charity’s campaign to promotes the wellbeing benefits of reading for pleasure. The campaign encourages people of all ages to take 10 minutes to read something they are interested in on World Mental Health Day.

Community Engagement Officer, Bex Blakey, said:

“We’re excited to create a space that encourages people to connect through literature,”

“Books can offer comfort, companionship, and a sense of belonging, especially for older adults. We invite everyone in the community to participate by donating books and sharing in this enriching experience.”

Helen Williams, Manager for the National Literacy Trust on the Yorkshire Coast said:

“As an organisation we know of the wellbeing benefits of reading. We also know that access to books is essential in order for people to reap these benefits.

That's where our network of community bookshelves across the Yorkshire Coast come in! This latest addition, created in partnership with Age UK, aims to ensure that finding a book isn't a barrier to reading for pleasure. We hope to see it become a thriving space for book swapping and sharing stories in the heart of our community.”

To ensure a diverse selection of reading material, Age UK are actively seeking donations of books in good condition adding:

"Whether you have novels, or non-fiction, your contributions will help build a vibrant community resource.

We invite everyone to come and enjoy our community bookshelf available from October 10th 2024 at 39 Aberdeen Walk, Scarborough YO11 1BD."