Dublin City Council libraries have introduced a device to help tackle winter blues and Seasonal Affected Disorder.
The luminous panels, known as Lightboxes, are said to lift moods, boost alertness and help people feel energised and are being introduced as part of the Healthy Ireland programme.
The devices, which can be used in the libraries without a booking, have been rolled out in all 21 branches in the local authority area.
Ciara Ward, Senior Librarian with Dublin City Libraries says their use is part of a wider health initiative that libraries are involved in.
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"You come into the library and put the light box on, about arms length away from you and use it for about 30 minutes. The idea behind the boxes is that they stimulate serotonin, that they lift your mood and give you a boost on these darker days."
"Health Ireland Libraries has been running now for a few years and we're always looking at ways to engage with public and to help in any kind of way that we can through health and mental health as well. So along with our books and different talks that we have, the light boxes are complimentary to that."
Among the first to get a chance to bask in the glow of the Lightboxes are the staff, among them Aisling Earley, Library Assistant in Coolock Library. She admits they take a bit of getting used to, but she hopes using it will be beneficial.
"It can little bit distracting initially when you set it up, but once you get stuck into your work, you forget it's even there. There's no heat coming off it or anything. So, it's not like the sun is blazing on your face. We have very long winters, so it's nice to have a little bit of extra brightness. I think we could all do it."
Counselling Psychologist Niamh Delmar has said the introduction of the Lightboxes to libraries is a very positive initiative. With grey skies a feature of all four Irish seasons she says the winter blues and Seasonal Affected Disorder are real issues here.
"It said that it affects about 3% of the population, but I would reckon that lots of people could have the diagnosis for SAD but haven't come forward or they've just accepted it. It affects people in lots of different ways.
"Day to day it could affect the functioning at work, their daily functioning, from getting up in the morning to having motivation and energy to do things, and also that feeling of not being well and not being able to perform. Motivation, energy, sleep, all of that can get affected."
She believes the introduction of Lightboxes to libraries is a positive step.
"What the Lightbox does is it stimulates and assimilates sun. So, a person is getting exposure to light, and the brain thinks this is sunlight, so that, in turn, boosts the serotonin, boosts the neurotransmitters in the brain, and gives them a lift.
"It's part of the treatment of SAD, one aspect of it and would have to be used on a regular basis, not just randomly but it's a really positive initiative. Anything that can help wellness in the community is excellent."
Dublin City Libraries say there has been an interest in the devices since they were first announced in the past fortnight and if that continues, they are considering investing in more Lightboxes. They also say they will be encouraging other local authority libraries to follow their lead.
