Encouraging patients to use public libraries

Public libraries are well placed to support the aims of Realistic Medicine by helping people build confidence in self‑management, shared decision‑making and understanding their care options. Working in partnership with public libraries creates opportunities to reach communities, strengthen health literacy and widen access to trusted tools and resources.

Public libraries can support Realistic Medicine by offering:

• talks, workshops and engagement sessions for the public on what Realistic Medicine means in practice
• activities that build confidence in self‑management and shared decision‑making
• promotion of quality‑assured resources such as Being a partner in my care, Manage my meds, NHS inform and other trusted digital tools
• space for conversations, events and community engagement led jointly with local Realistic Medicine teams

Early adopter libraries are already demonstrating what this partnership can achieve.
Inverclyde Libraries, working with local Realistic Medicine leads, have delivered community events and staff engagement sessions to help people understand their choices, prepare for appointments and feel more confident managing their health. These early examples show the potential for wider rollout across Scotland, with opportunities for RM leads and healthcare professionals to collaborate more closely with their local library services.
Examples:

• NHSGGC and Inverclyde Council Libraries showcase https://www.nhsggc.scot/nhsggc-and-inverclyde-council-libraries-showcase-realistic-medicine-in-our-communities
• Greenock Central Library event supports people to manage their own healthcare https://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/news/2024/oct/greenock-central-library-event-supports-people-to-manage-their-own-healthcare

There is also an opportunity to work with NHS libraries to strengthen health literacy and health information skills among public library staff, ensuring they feel confident supporting the public to access reliable, evidence‑based information.

Public libraries strengthen the foundations of Realistic Medicine by helping people build the skills, confidence and understanding they need to take an active role in their health and care.

Public libraries help people:

• build confidence in understanding health information, including digital tools
• access quality‑assured, trusted resources that support informed choices
• participate more fully in shared decision‑making, feeling prepared for appointments
• develop self‑management skills, supporting day‑to‑day wellbeing
• take preventive action, with access to information and community resources that encourage healthier choices
• navigate services more independently, reducing stress and uncertainty
• reduce isolation and improve wellbeing, through welcoming spaces and community connection

For healthcare professionals, public libraries are a practical, local asset.

You might say:

• “Your local library can help you get online and use NHS Inform if that would make things easier.”
• “If you’d like to read more about your condition, the library can signpost you to trusted health information and also staff who can help you find it.”
• “Libraries are great places to get support with digital skills or to find a quiet space to think about your options.”

Patients and carers can access:

• free Wi‑Fi and computer use
• help with NHS and government digital services
• help with Realistic Medicine tools like Being a partner in my care and Manage my meds
• Near Me video‑consultation is available in many libraries for those who need a private, supported space to attend appointments
• Reading Well collections and wellbeing activities
• community groups and social connection
• a safe, calm environment to explore information

If you would like to signpost a patient to their nearest public library, we can help you identify the most convenient location.

To request this:

• email RDS team with the patient’s general area (no personal details needed)
• we will get contact details for heads of library services and health and wellbeing leads across Scotland.

You and your patients can find information about your local library service by selecting your local authority area on https://www.mygov.scot/find-library

Public libraries welcome collaboration with healthcare professionals.

Healthcare team can:

• share health campaigns or messages they want to promote
• ask libraries to display posters or leaflets
• explore opportunities for talks, workshops, or outreach
• discuss how libraries can support local health priorities

Public libraries are enthusiastic partners because promoting health and wellbeing aligns with their public mission and benefits the whole community.