Tackle the winter blues in your local library

Date: 
Thursday, 22 December, 2022

Bearsden Library interiorEast Dunbartonshire residents are being offered the chance to try and tackle the winter blues at their local library thanks to an innovative scheme from EDLC.

East Dunbartonshire Libraries have teamed up with LUSH this January for the launch of their new light therapy initiative.

Reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter winter days and indoor working can disrupt our body clocks, and may contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or winter blues.

Light therapy lamps have been found to help lift mood, boost concentration, restore natural energy and treat the symptoms of SAD. East Dunbartonshire Libraries are the first Scottish library service to offer this as part of library membership.

Residents will be able to book 30 minute sessions of light therapy as part of their membership starting from 16 January 2023. The date, also known as Blue Monday, will kick off a week of Wellness activities, displays and promotions across the libraries with free LUSH goodie bags available for library visitors (on a first come, first served basis). 

Lamps will be at the following libraries: Bearsden, Bishopbriggs, Lennoxtown, Milngavie and William Patrick Library in Kirkintilloch, and can be booked for 30 minutes between the hours of 10am-12noon via Eventbrite or by contacting the library directly.

EDLC Chair Jim Neill, said, "EDLC is committed to providing services and resources which promote positive mental health and wellbeing for all and I'm proud that we're the first library service in Scotland to offer light therapy treatment.

"Looking after our minds is just as important as looking after our bodies; but while everyone knows how to look after their physical health, many of us are still unaware of how to build a healthy mind.

"The light produced by the light box simulates the sunlight that's missing during the darker winter months and some people with SAD find that light therapy can help improve their mood considerably.

"This launch will kick off a week of Wellness activities across our libraries. It is important we continue to raise awareness of the issues faced by so many people and highlight the support available from a range of organisations."

The Lumie light therapy lamps were acquired thanks to funding from East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action (EDVA).

Graham Branscombe, Social Enterprise Development Officer at EDVA, said, "East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action are delighted that part of the grant provided from the Sottish Government's Community Based Learning Fund has been able to be used in such an innovative way, we look forward to hearing about the difference and benefits it is making to users of EDLC services"

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