Accessibility and autism friendly libraries

We are an inclusive space that welcomes people with a range of additional needs, including autism. We also recognise that for those living with autism, visits to the library can be made more enjoyable through small changes. All our libraries are working towards ‘Autism Friendly Library’ status, so that our staff are trained in autism awareness and can make appropriate adjustments.

Sensory kits for adults and children containing ear defenders, fidget devices and sensory toys are available to use for free at the following libraries:

• Bridgwater
• Burnham
• Chard
• Crewkerne
• Frome
• Ilminster
• Martock
• Minehead
• North Petherton
• Taunton
• Watchet
• Wellington
• Wells
• Yeovil

You can plan your visit to your local library with a virtual tour, using the Our Libraries page.

We also have Social Stories to help with your visit. Please email your local library for a copy of their Social Story using the details provided here on the Our libraries page.

If you are blind, partially sighted or have other disabilities that affect reading such as dyslexia, we can amend your membership to give you access to these concessions:

• Free requests and loans of audiobooks
• Free requests for all books
• No overdue charges for children aged 17 and under

Please speak to staff at your local library about updating your membership.

For dyslexic adults, we just need a signature from a basic skills tutor, or a teacher certified by the British Dyslexia Association. For children with dyslexia, a signature from a teacher is required.

All library members can download e-audiobooks free of charge from Borrow Box.

‘Easy Read’ guides to using your local library are available to make visits easier if you have a learning disability. They can be requested at your local library or by emailing librariesmail@somerset.gov.uk

‘Bag Books’ are also available for those with severe or multiple learning disabilities. The packs include props that allow stories to be told through voice and emotion, rather than words and pictures. They can be requested for free by contacting your local Somerset Library. To find out more about how they work, visit the Bag Books website.

We welcome any feedback on other ways we can make your library visit easier and more enjoyable.

The Home Library Service is available to anyone who is unable to visit their local library. Specifically, people who are housebound, living in long-term care, carers, or people who are vulnerable due to long-term conditions or disabilities. The service is open to people of all ages. You can also ask someone to register in the Good Neighbour scheme to access library services on your behalf.

Find out more about our Home Library Service.

Our wheelchair accessible Mobile Library vehicle provides access to our loan items in rural areas of Somerset with no local library. There are 152 stops serving 128 communities around the county.

Find out more about our Mobile library.

Reading Well is a national scheme that helps people manage their own health and well-being through recommended self-help books selected by health professionals. These titles can be reserved free of charge.

The Reading Well schemes cover:

• Adult Mental Health
• Young People’s Mental Health (also known as Shelf Help)
• Children’s Mental Health
• Long Term Conditions
• Dementia

Visit the Reading Agency website to find out more about the Reading Well scheme.

How can I access these collections?

Any book from these collections can be ordered from your nearest Somerset library for free or on the LibrariesWest page. If you would like to browse the collections in person you will find them in the following libraries – please note that collections vary in size according to the size of the library.

Adult Young People and Children’s Mental Health – all libraries

Long Term Conditions – Bridgwater, Burnham, Chard, Cheddar, Crewkerne, Frome, Glastonbury, Ilminster, Langport, Martock, Minehead, Priorswood, Shepton Mallet, Somerton, Street, Taunton, Wellington, Wells, Williton, Wincanton, Yeovil.

Dementia Collection – Bridgwater, Burnham, Chard, Frome, Minehead, Street, Taunton, Wellington, Wells, Wincanton, Yeovil.

Many titles can also be accessed for free as e-books and e-audiobooks. Find out how to access e-resources on our Digital Books, Audiobooks and Magazines page.

If you have special caring responsibilities, you are entitled to an additional library card to support young people in your care.

Reading Well Mood-boosting books is a national promotion of uplifting titles, including novels, poetry and non-fiction. The books are all recommended by readers and reading groups.

You can browse the list on the Reading Well website, and request titles on the LibrariesWest website or at your local library.

Our staff can support you in finding reliable health information, whether online or through books. Speak to a member of staff in your local library, or you can find out more about our support offer on our Digital and Health Information Support page.