The basic premise of bibliotherapy is that information, guidance and solace can be found through reading. Bibliotherapy programmes using books to support good mental health are found around the world. In the UK, programmes such as Reading Well and Books on Prescription have been offered in public libraries, healthcare and community settings since the early 2000s, providing access to selected written materials which, it is hoped, will have a positive effect on mental health. Understandings of bibliotherapy have changed over time and between locations. Whilst many bibliotherapy programmes have traditionally focused on self-help resources, schemes working with fiction and poetry are becoming ever more common. This book will encompass all aspects of ‘bibliotherapy’ in its widest sense, defined as: ‘The therapeutic use of books and other materials with individuals or with groups of people’ (Howie, 1988).

The first section of the book consists of four chapters concerned with the history and theory of bibliotherapy. Bibliotherapy draws on theories from a range of disciplines, including medicine, literature, education and psychology. Chapters 1 to 4 draw on just some of these to illustrate some of the contemporary debates amongst researchers interested in bibliotherapy and explain how these relate to the work of bibliotherapy practitioners. These chapters are intended to be of interest not only for researchers and theorists, but equally to those managing bibliotherapy programmes. It is only through developing an understanding of theories underpinning various types of bibliotherapy intervention that practitioners can make informed decisions about which models of bibliotherapy may be most effective for a given setting and audience, as well as appropriate ways to select texts, lead discussions, provide support and so forth. Part 1 therefore links theory and practice: drawing on examples from the case studies in this book and elsewhere to illustrate the key concepts discussed.

In Chapter 1, Liz Brewster highlights some of the major developments since the term ‘bibliotherapy’ was coined in 1916. The chapter traces the evolution of the models of delivery, types of material used and the diverse audiences for bibliotherapy schemes, reflecting the socio-cultural drivers for its use. Looking back over 100 years of bibliotherapy places it into context and demonstrates why it has continued to be a popular and relevant method of meeting mental health and wellbeing needs.