Volunteers are needed across Somerset to help keep a vital Somerset Council library lifeline thriving.

The Home Library Service (HLS) is looking for people who can lead teams of volunteers in Bridgwater, Wellington, Yeovil, Frome, Chard and Crewkerne.

The HLS is free and available to anyone who cannot visit a library in person – the housebound, carers, or people vulnerable because of their health.

Volunteers play a crucial role in the service. The Lead Volunteers liaise with Somerset Libraries, keep in touch with local volunteers and arrange cover for sickness, and use their local knowledge to support customers and the HLS .

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Executive Lead Member for Communities, said:

The Home Library Service is fantastic for those who can’t visit their library. Once people get in touch with us, a visit is arranged so customers can explain the type of books they enjoy and ask any questions. Then they are matched up with one of our wonderful volunteers.

The service has had positive feedback from volunteers:

It’s great to help a fellow reader and lover of books who can’t get to a library.

I would thoroughly recommend the experience of sharing your interest with others who are not as able to access the library as they have done in the past.

It’s a rewarding experience in which I feel valued and that I am providing a service to housebound people in my community.

With the Home Library Service customers can borrow books, large print books and audiobooks. There’s also a lending scheme which allows people to borrow an iPad for up to six weeks. The iPads come preloaded with data and have lots of useful apps already downloaded.

The volunteers are DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked. Experience is not a barrier as training is available along with support from Somerset Libraries.

More information on the roles and responsibilities is available via these links:

• Home Library Service Local Area Lead Volunteer (Yeovil Library) | Somerset Council Volunteering
• Home Library Service Local Area Lead Volunteer (Bridgwater Library) | Somerset Council Volunteering
• Home Library Service Local Area Lead Volunteer (Chard Library) | Somerset Council Volunteering
• Home Library Service Local Area Lead Volunteer (Ilminster Library) | Somerset Council Volunteering
• Home Library Service Local Area Lead Volunteer (Frome) | Somerset Council Volunteering
• Home Library Service Local Area Lead Volunteer | Somerset Council Volunteering

Information about the Home Library Service is available on Somerset Council’s website: Home Library Service (somerset.gov.uk).