Kirklees holds first conference to spread the word on book benfits

Apr 15 2009 By Natalie Mullins

KIRKLEES libraries are to host the first national conference on reading therapy.

The libraries will share their experience of using reading instead of medicine to help reduce, stress, anxiety and depression in a national conference at Huddersfield Town Hall.

The event will be on Thursday, May 7, from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

The libraries pioneered the first bibliotherapy scheme in the country in 2000.

Julie Walker, reader development officer at Kirklees Council, said: “The Well into Words conference is about spreading the word about bibliotherapy and how helpful it is.

“It is also an opportunity to build relationships between the libraries and those working in health and social care.

“It’s a chance for delegates to come together and find out more about bibliotherapy and how to set up their own bibliotherapy scheme in their areas.”

Workshops will demonstrate how reading can help health.

Catherine Morris, Assistant Head of Culture and Leisure Services for Kirklees, said: “We’ve come a long way since it started in 2000 and hundreds of people have benefited.

“It promises to be a very stimulating day.”