Public libraries provide a population-scale platform for population-scale public health issues.
With 50% of people in Scotland using public libraries, they provide substantial reach through their core services, such as books and computers, as well as through tailored health and wellbeing services. Their impact on people’s wellbeing, mental health, social isolation or feelings of loneliness means they play an important part in contributing towards improving the health and wellbeing of the Scottish population.
This research report investigates the health and wellbeing offer from public libraries in Scotland and uncovers the large scale of services and activities that are available. Many schemes have been developed in partnership between libraries and health services, and there is scope to create stronger links in the future.
