Housebound residents in Somerset can access a world of reading without leaving their homes, thanks to Somerset Council's Home Library Service.

The free scheme, supported by volunteers, delivers books to individuals who are unable to visit their local library. This includes people living in long-term care, carers, and those with disabilities or long-term conditions. The service is available to residents of all ages.

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Executive Lead Member for Communities, said: "This is a brilliant service. Reading books can help keep your mind engaged as you grow old, helping to improve memory and reducing stress. The Home Library Service plays a really valuable role in bringing the library to your front room for so many people, taking them on journeys from the comfort of their arm chair to whole new worlds and meeting new characters."

Somerset Libraries provide a variety of reading formats, including regular print, large print, and audiobooks. Digital resources such as e-books, e-audio, e-magazines, and e-newspapers are also available, with a loan scheme offering iPads to help users access services like BorrowBox.

Each customer is paired with a trained, DBS-checked volunteer who visits regularly at an agreed time. Volunteers tailor book selections to individual preferences and handle the ordering and delivery of materials.

For further details or to enquire about volunteering, contact Home Library Service manager Lauren Davis at [email protected] or phone 07814 079831. More information is also available at somerset.gov.uk.