Wellbeing and campaign reading

We are currently updating these lists following the move to our new library system. The format and access to titles may change while this work is underway.

The Library creates themed booklists to match NHS awareness days and wellbeing campaigns agreed with the Trust’s Communications and Wellbeing teams. These include topics such as menopause, neurodiversity, and mental health. Lists are refreshed throughout the year, so there is always something relevant to explore.

Booklists last updated 10/2025.

Book Club

Our Staff Library book club is a chance to unwind, connect, and enjoy reading together. Each month, members choose a book supplied by the library, share their thoughts in a Teams chat, and meet remotely to reflect on the previous month’s title and agree on what to read next. 

The Reading Agency says reading groups can promote relaxation, focus, confidence, self-esteem, and quality of life, whilst creating a sense of community and shared purpose. 

Members are currently voting on our next two books. So, whether you’re a regular reader or just starting again, join up by completing the form below and get involved.

April’s book – Begin Again

May’s book – The Only One Left

Your Health Collection

Health Education England and the Reading Agency developed Your Health Collection with NHS library teams, public health, prisons, and Higher Education. The collection brings together 10 books and 30 online resources to support health and wellbeing. All 10 titles are available in print from the Staff Library, with postal delivery if you can’t visit in person. 

HEE offers a range of dedicated eBook collections for staff covering:

• Diversity
• Primary Care
• Psychological Professions
• Resilience and wellbeing
• Sustainability

To access any of these, use the button below.

Reading for leisure

The Staff Library has a wide choice of fiction and non-fiction for leisure reading. From crime and thrillers to romance and contemporary fiction, there’s something for every taste. North East NHS libraries stock even more, so check the lists below for all the latest titles.

Non-fiction titles cover everything from local walks and hobbies to biographies and wellbeing. If the book you’d like isn’t on our shelves, we can request it from another library or consider it for future purchase.

Book Share

The Book Share, located in the Hub, is open to staff, patients, and visitors. Anyone can take a book to read, as long as they replace it with one of their own. It’s an easy way to keep reading accessible and encourage sharing across the hospital community. 

We are always happy to take donations, so if you’ve books at home, please do drop them off at the bookshare or in the library. Your finished reads could be someone else’s next favourite book.

Borrowbox

We work with Gateshead Public Libraries to give staff more ways to enjoy reading and relaxation. With a free Gateshead Library membership you can use BorrowBox, a digital service that’s always open. It offers thousands of e-books, hundreds of e-audiobooks, and a wide choice of newspapers and magazines. 

BorrowBox is simple to use — download titles to your device, keep them for three weeks, renew if you need more time, or return them early so others can enjoy them. There are no fines, and you’ll get reminders when items are due. You can also reserve titles and read back issues of popular magazines. 

IT Suite and study space

The Library’s IT Suite has 9 computers and a docking station for Trust laptops, ideal for study, agile working, or simply taking a break. Free tea and coffee are available, and we also provide exam flashcards and other support materials to help during busy study periods. 

Evidence for wellbeing projects

If you’re leading a wellbeing project or involved in staff support at Gateshead, the Library and Knowledge Services team can help you find up-to-date evidence. Whether it’s research on workplace wellbeing, resilience training, or the impact of COVID-19, we can carry out searches and provide the articles or books you need. All requests are free for Trust staff. 

Contact us

If you have any queries or questions, or would like assistance with any of our resources or services, please get in touch. We are always happy to help.