Library Service

Books on Prescription

What is Books on Prescription (BOP)?

This is a new service from the Primary Care Mental Health Team in conjunction with Barking and Dagenham Library Service.

Several copies of self help titles assessed and recommended by Mental Health professionals are available from all the borough's libraries covering subjects such as depression, stress, anxiety, anger, panic and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Following a discussion with a GP, nurse or mental health professional a 'prescription' is issued for a relevant title to enable you to learn more about and therefore help manage your health problems.

What do I need to do?

You can then take your prescription to be exchanged for the book at your nearest Barking and Dagenham library. If you need help to find the title, library staff are available to assist you. If the book is not on the shelves, library staff will reserve it for you. This service is both free and confidential.

How long can I borrow the book for?

Books can be borrowed for 3 weeks and can be renewed either in person, by telephone or online, free of charge.

How will this help me?

There is a good evidence base for the effectiveness of Books on Prescription. Many are a self help version of successful clinical treatments. Most of the books give a structured approach offering complete step by step treatment programmes with exercises self assessments.

What if I am not a member of the library?

You can join any of the borough's libraries for free by filling in an application form and producing either your prescription, or 2 forms of ID. If you need any help with joining the library, staff will be able to assist you.

What if I can not get to a library?

The library service has a home-restricted service which can deliver the books to your door.

Telephone 020 8724 1312 for more details.

Will library staff be able to suggest an alternative book to help me?

No, the library just supplies the books, they do not choose them and they are not experts in health issues. However, the list will be available, and if you feel there may be other titles which might also help you, these may be borrowed as well.

Bibliotherapy List - Word 57K