A new scheme is glowing with potential to help residents beat the winter blues.
Powys libraries have introduced Wintering Well loan boxes, designed to support wellbeing during the darker months.
The boxes are available at Y Lanfa in Welshpool, Newtown Library, Llandrindod Wells Library, y Gaer in Brecon, and Ystradgynlais Library, with the option to order through the council’s online library service for collection at any Powys library.
Each box can be borrowed for two weeks.
Councillor Raiff Devlin, Powys County Council’s cabinet member for customers, digital and community services, said: "The shorter days and darker winter months can be difficult for many people, so I am pleased that our libraries will be able to offer this practical and accessible resource.
"Although the five boxes will be based at libraries across Powys, people will be able to order one for collection from any of our library facilities.
"This is particularly important in a large rural county, where services must be made as accessible as possible."
The scheme is part of a new programme to help residents "winter well".
Developed by researchers from the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, the loan boxes were created in consultation with people who experience symptoms of SAD.
A similar project in Scottish libraries has already seen success.
Each box contains a therapeutic light lamp and a guidebook with ideas for indoor and outdoor activities, as well as access to a free online support course.
Sammi Orme, a volunteer with Powys libraries who trialled one of the boxes, described the impact it had.
Ms Orme said: "I would definitely use this again.
"I’ve found the light has been really beneficial.
"I’ve called it the ‘happy lamp’, instead of the ‘SAD lamp’.
"Over a longer period of time, the boxes can definitely give you some good ideas to boost your happiness during the darkness."
As part of the Wintering Well programme, Rhayader Library is currently hosting a photographic exhibition featuring images and quotes from people with lived experience of winter and SAD.
The display runs until January 6, 2027, and is expected to move to another Powys library later in the month.
Powys libraries have also launched a Mood Boosting Adult Reading Challenge, encouraging adults to read the full 2026 Mood Boosting Collection—10 books selected by a panel of young adults—by March 29, 2027.
For more information about library events and the Wintering Well programme, visit the StoriPowys website.
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