Somerset libraries relaunch Winter Coat Exchange ahead of colder weather
Donated coats are given a new home to help people stay warm this winter
Somerset Council's libraries service is relaunching its Winter Coat Exchange, giving people access to warm coats ahead of the colder months.
Now in its fourth year, the scheme continues to receive thousands of coat donations annually, with every donated coat given a new home.
Excess donations are given to the charity RAFT, which stands for Refugee Aid From Taunton.
This year, the libraries taking part are in Ilminster, Shepton Mallet, Burnham-on-Sea, Bridgwater, North Petherton, Minehead, Williton, Porlock, Wellington, Dulverton, Street, Langport, Glastonbury, Taunton, Yeovil and Chard.
The scheme works on a simple basis: people can take a coat without making a donation, or donate a coat without taking one.
All donations must be of good quality and in a clean condition, and coats of any shape or size, for adults or children, are accepted.
Donations should be handed directly to a member of staff at one of the participating libraries.
Somerset libraries are also part of the Warm Welcome Spaces scheme, offering free, welcoming places where people can spend time, connect with others and access support.
Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Lead Member for Communities, HRA and Culture at Somerset Council, said the scheme becomes more successful every year.
"This scheme gets more successful every year, and we know that both donors and those needing a warm coat are really positive. Colder and wet weather will soon be with us, and this can be challenging for many, especially those who can't afford to stay warm," she said.
"Libraries become so much more than places for reading and studying, they become warm, welcoming, social spaces - real community hubs. I hope that people can donate good quality clean items that others can benefit from."
Anyone wanting more information, or to take part in the Coat Exchange scheme, can visit their nearest participating library or contact Somerset Council's libraries team.