The final Books on Prescription launch in Tri borough libraries took place on Wednesday 12 June at Shepherds Bush Library (SBL). Speaking on behalf of his fellow councillors, Councillor Smith talked of Shepherds Bush Library being the ‘Jewel in the crown’ of Hammersmith and Fulham Libraries and how the council were committed to support libraries now more than ever.
In the picture from left to right are Simi Ryatt from HFCAB at Avonmore Library and Neighbourhood Centre, Kate May from the Public Health Department of the Local Authority, Alex Tambourides for H and F MIND, Councillor Smith, Mandy Charles Library Manager, me, Simi Ryatt, Alex Tambourides from H and F MIND, Temitope Ogunbiyi volunteer.
The event started at 12.30 when health promotion providers from the three boroughs took charge of their information stands; these had been carefully prepared by Mandy, Manager of SBL and her team. Ann Cooper Area Manager for Hammersmith and Fulham libraries gave up her lunch hour to test drive the head massage. Sue Cornish and Kate together with one of our star volunteers Temi, organised the event. Thanks also to Mandy and the Shepherds Bush library staff for their support.
Books on Prescription display at Shepherds Bush Library
Alex Tambourides CEO of Hammersmith and Fulham MIND said a few words about the value of the BOP collection and the importance of Libraries for the one quarter of the population who suffer from some kind of mental health issue at some point in their lives. The Public health Managers were represented by Kate May she spoke about the value of libraries in promoting good public health practises and the overall positive impact that libraries have on our wellbeing.
Rosie, the bibliotherapy lead in Kensington and Chelsea, spoke about the value of the bibliotherapy groups and that Hammersmith and Fulham are in the process of putting together their own bibliotherapy programme in the form of shared reading groups.
The launches of Books on Prescription in Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, and now Hammersmith and Fulham have united libraries in the three boroughs in the happy pursuit of Reading Well
by Kate Gielgud
LBHF Libraries and Archives 
Well done to everyone at SBL!