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Libraries offer light therapy kits to boost mood this winter

Monday, 2 November 2026 at 08:13

Wintering Well kits are available to loan from North Yorkshire libraries.

Harrogate residents can now borrow light therapy kits from their local library to help them through the darker winter months.

North Yorkshire libraries have become the first in England to offer the Wintering Well kits, which are designed to support people experiencing symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

A total of 150 kits became available across the county on Monday 26th October, following funding from Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants programme.

Each contains a therapeutic light lamp, a guidebook with ideas for indoor and outdoor activities, and details of a free online course.

Harrogate library user Jenny Barrie tried one of the kits ahead of the launch.

She said:

“The winter is always quite a depressing time of year with the darkness, cold, and often wet weather. I certainly feel worse during the winter months, with much less energy.

“The lamp is very simple and easy to use. Although I have only had it for a short time, I think it is making a difference, and I hope to see further improvement the longer I use it.

“The other information provided has also given me some good ideas on how to look at the winter months differently. I’m so pleased to have been given this opportunity.”

Researchers from the universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh developed the kits in consultation with people who experience SAD symptoms.

Their arrival in North Yorkshire follows a two-year trial in Scotland, with 16 library services across the UK taking part in this winter’s wider rollout.

Cllr Simon Myers, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for culture and arts, said:

“We are delighted to have been chosen as pioneers for England of the Wintering Well kits, which we are sure will be well-used as the darker months approach.

“Such initiatives that boost the health and well-being of our residents are integral, and they complement the resources already available at our libraries.”

Residents can find out more about borrowing a kit through their local library or North Yorkshire Council’s Wintering Well webpage.

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