The Next Chapter

The Next Chapter is a free book distribution program that provides access to addiction recovery and family support books for anyone impacted by substance or alcohol misuse. Titles are selected to reflect a wide range of perspectives, and books are available with no obligation to return.

Whether someone is interested in learning about recovery for themselves or supporting a loved one, they’ll find inclusive, nonjudgmental resources that honor every person’s inherent dignity and worth. This initiative is modeled after similar programs at the San Francisco Public Library and the Sarasota Springs Public Library. Through a generous donor grant, Books, Belonging & Bridges, in partnership with the Denver Public Library, we are thrilled to provide a stigma-free pathway to addiction support, reflecting our vision of a strong community where everyone thrives.

How to Get a Book

Stop by the Central Library and pick up a book from our shelves located [LOCATION].

Can't make it to Central? Submit a request and we will send your book to any Denver Public Library location.

Submit a Book Request Opens in a new tab 

Available Titles

Addiction/Recovery 

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Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol

The founder of the first female-focused recovery program offers a groundbreaking look at alcohol and a radical new path to sobriety.

A thoughtful exploration of how alcohol culture affects women and marginalized communities. Written in a relatable, honest voice, the book offers a compassionate alternative to traditional recovery models. This book offers a stigma-free, feminist-informed approach to sobriety that empowers readers to examine their relationship with drinking and choose what supports their well-being.

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This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life

A supportive, science-based look at how alcohol holds such power in our culture and influences our minds and behaviors. This book invites readers to rethink their relationship with drinking without shame, deprivation, or labels, and to choose what supports their well-being.

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Over the Influence: The Harm Reduction Guide to Controlling Your Drug and Alcohol Use

A compassionate, science-based approach for people who want to change their relationship with alcohol or drugs on their own terms. Grounded in harm reduction, the book helps readers set personal goals, reduce risks, and make informed choices, whether that means cutting back, exploring sobriety, or seeking additional support. Over the Influence includes practical worksheets and reflection tools to support step-by-step change.

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Undaunted Hope: Stories of Healing from Trauma, Depression, and Addictions

A collection of deeply personal stories from people navigating trauma, depression, and addiction. This book emphasizes healing, connection, and the courage it takes to ask for help, offering reassurance that recovery is possible and support is available.

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The Recovery Rosary: Meditations for Those Impacted by Addiction, Compulsions, and Unhealthy Attachments

The Recovery Rosary offers reflections for people impacted by addiction, compulsions, or unhealthy attachments, as well as those supporting a loved one. Rooted in Catholic tradition and Twelve Step recovery, the book uses guided Rosary meditations and reflection questions to support spiritual grounding, healing, and hope, meant to be used individually or in a group.

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Your Recovery, Your Life for Teens: A Trauma-Informed Workbook to Help You Heal from Substance Use and Addiction

A trauma-informed workbook for teens who are using substances to cope with difficult experiences. Through guided reflection and practical exercises, the book helps teens understand the roots of their substance use, build skills for managing emotions, and move toward healing and recovery with compassion and support.

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Sober Starting Today Workbook: Powerful Mindfulness and CBT Tools to Help You Break Free from Addiction

A compassionate, skills-based workbook for people who want support in changing their relationship with substances. Using mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) tools, it offers guided exercises to help manage cravings, navigate triggers, build self-compassion, and develop healthier routines to support recovery one step at a time.

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Alcoholics Anonymous: The Big Book

Readers can understand the foundational principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A). Long recognized as a core recovery text, the book offers insight into the Twelve Step approach and the lived experiences of individuals who have found support through A.A.

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Empowering Your Sober Self: The LifeRing Approach to Addiction Recovery

Readers are introduced to the LifeRing approach to addiction recovery, which centers personal choice, peer support, and self-empowerment. Grounded in empathy and evidence-informed practices, the book presents an alternative to abstinence-only and Twelve Step models, encouraging people to explore what works best for them on their recovery journey.

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Narcotics Anonymous

Based on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, the book offers insight into a peer-supported, spiritual approach to recovery for those interested in the Narcotics Anonymous (NA) model. The book outlines the principles of the NA programs and shares personal stories from people navigating recovery from drug addiction. 

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Rational Recovery: The New Cure for Substance Addiction

The book introduces Addictive Voice Recognition Technique (AVRT), a self-help method designed to help people recognize urges and make intentional decisions about sobriety outside of Twelve Step programs. Rational Recovery presents a secular, abstinence-based approach to addiction recovery centered on personal choice and self-management.

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Refuge Recovery: A Buddhist Path to Recovering from Addiction

Drawing on meditation practices and psychological insight, the book supports people in understanding cravings, reducing suffering, and exploring recovery outside of Twelve Step programs. Instead, offering a non-theistic, Buddhist-informed approach to addiction recovery rooted in mindfulness and compassion. No prior knowledge of Buddhism required.

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NIV Celebrate Recovery Study Bible

A faith-based recovery resource that combines the Bible with reflections rooted in the Celebrate Recovery program. Grounded in Christian teachings and the Twelve Step tradition, it offers scripture, study notes, and encouragement for people seeking spiritual support as they work through life’s challenges and recovery.

Spanish

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Alcoholicos Anonimous - (Spanish)

Presenta los principios fundamentales de Alcohólicos Anónimos (AA) y relatos personales de personas en proceso de recuperación del alcoholismo. Basado en los Doce Pasos y las Doce Tradiciones, el libro ofrece una visión del enfoque de apoyo entre pares para quienes desean conocer el modelo de AA.

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Dharma de recyoeracuib - (Spanish)

Presenta un enfoque de apoyo entre pares basado en prácticas budistas como la meditación, la atención plena y la compasión. En un espacio no dogmático, el libro invita a las personas a trabajar con el deseo y el sufrimiento como parte del proceso de recuperación, con el acompañamiento de una comunidad solidaria.

Family & Friends

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Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change: A Guide for Families

A science-based guide for families and friends supporting a loved one with substance use or compulsive behaviors. Emphasizing kindness, positive reinforcement, and practical strategies over confrontation, the book offers tools, exercises, and guidance to help strengthen relationships and support positive change.

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Addict in the Family: Support Through Loss, Hope, and Recovery

Readers are offered guidance and reassurance for parents and loved ones affected by someone else’s substance use. Through practical advice and personal stories, the book helps families release blame, set healthy boundaries, care for themselves, and find hope and support regardless of where their loved one is in their recovery.

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The Friends and Family Guide to the Opioid Overdose Epidemic: Including How to Recognize and Treat an Overdose

A practical, compassionate resource for families, friends, and community members seeking to understand opioid use and prevent overdose. Drawing on real-world experience, the book explains how to recognize an overdose, respond safely, and access tools like naloxone, while also offering context on harm reduction and the broader realities of the opioid crisis.

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Understanding Your Grief after a Drug-Overdose Death (Words of Hope and Healing)

Readers are offered compassionate support for people grieving the loss of a loved one to an overdose. With gentle guidance and reflection, the book helps readers navigate early grief, address stigma, practice self-care, and find moments of hope and healing at their own pace.

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SMART Recovery Family & Friends Handbook

A practical guide for people supporting a loved one with substance use or other addictive behaviors. Grounded in evidence-based approaches, the handbook offers tools to strengthen communication, set boundaries, practice self-compassion, and support change while helping family members care for their own well-being and choose the level of support that feels right for them.

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How Al-Anon Works for Families and Friends of Alcoholics

Introducing the principles and practices of Al-Anon, a peer support program for people affected by someone else’s drinking. Through shared experiences and practical guidance, the book helps families and friends better understand the impact of alcoholism, care for their own well-being, and find support, connection, and hope.