Lewisham Libraries have been bringing comfort, joy and imagination to young patients through a unique hospital‑based storytelling initiative that is transforming children’s experiences of medical care.
What began as a one‑off visit from the much‑loved Bookstart Bear for National Teddy Bear Day in September 2025 quickly became something more. After seeing the overwhelmingly positive impact on children, families and staff, Lewisham Hospital invited the library team back—this time to deliver live, interactive storytelling sessions directly on the wards.
Librarians now visit children awaiting or recovering from surgery, offering stories that calm, distract and uplift at moments that can otherwise feel frightening or unfamiliar. Sessions are fully child‑led: children choose how they participate, from predicting story endings to inventing new characters or even sharing songs with their ward. One young girl waiting for throat surgery bravely sang a song inspired by a storybook—an unforgettable moment that brought smiles and connection across the ward.
This project makes library services accessible at a time when families may feel unable to visit their local library. Parents and carers are introduced to free membership, digital books and audiobooks—including resources available instantly from a hospital bed, day or night. The approach also strengthens cross‑sector collaboration, demonstrating the vital role libraries play in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing.
Hospital stays can heighten anxiety, disrupt routines and leave children feeling isolated. Storytelling offers a simple but powerful intervention-restoring normality, encouraging imagination and providing comforting distraction during challenging moments. By bringing the library to the child, Lewisham Libraries ensure that every family can access the emotional and educational benefits of reading, even in times of crisis.
Impact Highlights
- Reduced anxiety and increased calm among children before medical procedures
- Improved emotional expression, confidence and creativity
- Positive distraction from stress, pain and boredom
- Enhanced family awareness of free library services, including eBooks and audiobooks
- Strengthened partnership between Lewisham Libraries and Lewisham Hospital
This innovative project sits within the Health and Wellbeing Universal Offer, with strong alignment to the Children’s Promise and Books and Reading. It showcases libraries as compassionate, adaptable and essential community services, meeting families where they are and making a meaningful difference when they need it most.