We regularly hold exhibitions at the Scottish Poetry Library, featuring works from our Special Collections and new works inspired by our collections.
Prescribe Culture Exhibition – Poetry & Wellbeing
30 October – 2 December 2019
The Scottish Poetry Library is partnering with Edinburgh University in ‘Prescribe Culture’. It aims to tackle low level mental health problems, including loneliness by being a place of referral for people to explore poetry – whether to read or write it – as a way of supporting mental well-being.
The SPL is open to everybody, and we invite you to explore some poems we’ve selected and displayed. You can choose to use some of the guided exercises to help you use and reflect on the poetry, make your own selection of poetry or simply enjoy a cup of tea in a different space.
Everyone is invited to contribute to our ‘thankful tree.’ Take one of the tags provided and write down something you are thankful for – this could be something ‘big’ such as recovery from illness or something small and every-day, for example “the colour of the leaves on my walk this morning.”
During the Exhibition, every Wednesday between 11am and 12noon there will be complimentary tea and coffee available in the upstairs lounge. You’re very welcome to sit, read some poetry, listen to our audio poetry, try an activity sheet, or simply sit quietly. And if you want to talk poetry there’s always a member of staff around!
We hope you find some inspiration and thoughtfulness in the exhibition and your feedback is welcome.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,the world offers itself to your imagination,
‘Wild Geese’, Mary Oliver
calls to you like the wild geese…
