Books for those situations that life throws at you
We all experience times in our lives when we need some information and guidance on where to go next. For support, help to support others, or to find new ways of broaching sensitive subjects we recommend the Life Matters collection.
You'll find books for all the family and for you alone, concise information and the facts in depth as well as an array of fiction for all ages.
It can be helpful to explore issues through fiction and memoirs, whether the books mirror personal experience or lead to a fuller understanding.
Family life
Families and relationships can sometimes be complex and difficult to deal with. We hope that you find the following suggestions on useful. You can then search our online catalogue to see if the books are available to borrow.
Suggested lists from the Healthy Books UK website
- Books about dysfunctional families
- Books about extended family
- Books about the family in general
- Books about same sex parents
- Books about siblings
- Books about single parents
- Books about step-families
Fostering and adoption
As a looked after child in Surrey, you will find extra benefits when using our library services. When a carer registers a child, or if a Young Adult (age 16 and 17) registers themselves, it is important to let us know that they are in the care of Surrey County Council. We will set up an Early Years, Child or Young Adult library card as appropriate - registration is completely free for everyone - listing Surrey County Council as the Corporate Parent. Library staff can then help foster carers and children to manage their accounts.
We hope that you find the following suggestions on the Healthy Books website useful. You can then search our online catalogue to see if the books are available to borrow.
Suggested lists from the Healthy Books UK website:
- Books about adoption
- Books about care
- Books about fostering
- Books about family relationships and feelings
Life Matters picture books to share with young children
It's important to talk things through with your child but it can be hard to know where to start. Picture books can be invaluable in terms of stimulating dialogue and helping children understand the world around them.
We hope that you find the following suggestions on the Healthy Books website useful. You can then search our online catalogue to see if the books are available to borrow.
Suggested lists from the Healthy Books UK website:
- Books about moving house
- Books about a new baby in the family
- Books about toilet training
- Books about visits to the dentist
- Books about visits to the doctor
- Books about vaccinations
- Books about starting school
Older children and young adults
Please search our online catalogue for the subject that you are interested in.
For information to support young people's mental health please refer to Shelf Help, available in all Surrey Libraries.
Autism
Please search our online catalogue for the subject that you are interested in.
For information to support for autistic children and young people please refer to our Autism support in libraries page.
Out Lit: lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
Our Out Lit collection of books covers themes and issues at the heart of the LGBT population. Whether questioning, out, family or friend, find information and advice, whatever your sexual orientation. For even more information have a look at our LGBTQ+ library collection page.
Domestic abuse
Books for individuals and families affected by domestic abuse. Including abuse in LGBT relationships, professionals working with victims, domestic abuse, emotional abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, men who are in abusive relationships, and novels dealing with this theme. For more information and support have a look at our domestic abuse support in libraries page.
More information
If the book you want isn't in your local library, you can reserve it or if you think we are missing an important title or topic, please contact us via our library stock suggestion form.
