In a constantly shifting world of increasing literacy expectations, technological advancements and global flows, students need to have opportunities to flourish. Drawing on findings from a large-scale study of reading and school libraries, Designing School Libraries of the Future, this study explains how reading provides an outlet for rest and exploration for young people. I will further elaborate on findings from the school library study to demonstrate how well-designed, stocked and supported school libraries resulted in increased reading engagement, support students’ mental health and allowed students agency in shaping their learning. Finally, I explore how books can be used as a form of bibliotherapy to help students think about life issues and their place in their local/global worlds.