An eye-catching "pop-up" vehicle is out and about in Somerset offering activities and high-tech wizardry throughout the county.

Somerset Libraries' new outreach vehicle is kitted-out with some of the cutting-edge technology which is fast becoming a popular feature in libraries, including the latest virtual reality headsets, 3D printing, augmented reality, drones, tablets and laptops.

It has been a hit with visitors at a range of community events this summer including Family Fun Days in West Somerset, the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton and the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury. And it's lined up to be at other events this autumn with the schedule of visits being finalised.

The outreach-on-wheels was showcased at Shire Hall in Taunton, when Somerset County Council members and officers were treated to enthusiastic tours of the vehicle by children from St George's RC Primary School, Taunton.

David Hall, Somerset County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Community Infrastructure said: "This will help us showcase the diverse range of services delivered by Somerset Libraries and how they are reaching out to improve lives in some of the more remote communities that might find it difficult to access library buildings.

"It has been wonderful to see how engaged the children from St George's School were with the exciting technology which, I think, helps to prove how popular the outreach services are likely to be.

"The vehicle will also help us to provide some valuable help for older people, business groups and other community groups as we develop a programme of activity with communities all over the county."

Activities delivered via the outreach vehicle will be free and people do not need to be members of Somerset Libraries to take part.

The vehicle will of course also showcase a selected range of books available for members of Somerset Libraries to borrow – joining Somerset Libraries is free and easy to do – for more information visit www.somerset.gov.uk/libraries

 

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