A 76-year-old who was one of the first people to borrow a Wintering Well box said it has helped to stop her feeling “crushed” by the winter.
Claire Charlwood borrowed the box from William Patrick Library in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire when they were first introduced in 2024.
Mrs Charlwood, who lives in Glasgow, said it has helped her make changes and cope better during the winter months.
This year, 16 public library services across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland will share 600 of the boxes.
Mrs Charlwood said: “Clocks are going to winter time soon, and although this is not something I welcome, I feel much more able to cope with it now.
“Two years ago, I borrowed the Wintering Well box from the library, unsure what it really could achieve for my Sad (Seasonal Affective Disorder), but prepared to give it a go.
“I was in for a pleasant surprise. The lamp is great, small enough to put next to my computer, ready to use every sunless morning. The booklet is full of good advice, and it’s comforting to know that I am not on my own dreading dark winter days.
“Last winter proved to be not so uphill, partly because using the lamp and going out for a walk every day in natural light (grey as it might be) helped me to compensate for the long dark nights and dreary days – but also because, instead of being crushed by winter, I felt I could be in control.
“Looking through the ‘sky frame’ included in the kit, which encourages people to pick a spot above and watch the light and the clouds change like it was a moving picture, helped me feel like I owned that bit of sky and feel more connected to the world around me.
“This year, I am ready to keep my head high and not let winter squash me.”