Community scheme offers warm coats to residents and keeps good-quality items in use.
With cold and wet weather set in, Somerset Council Libraries are reminding residents that the Winter Coat Exchange continues across the county, offering free access to warm coats for anyone who needs one.
Now in its third year, the Winter Coat Exchange has become a well-established community initiative, helping people stay warm and dry through the winter while reducing waste. Last year alone, 2,470 coats were donated, with 2,086 coats taken by residents across Somerset.
Any surplus donations were passed on to RAFT – Refugee Aid From Taunton, supporting displaced people locally and further afield, alongside other community groups and charities.
The scheme is simple, welcoming and judgement-free:
- Residents can take a coat without donating
- Coats can be donated without taking one
- All donations must be clean and in good condition
- All sizes and styles are welcome, for adults and children
- Donations should be handed directly to library staff
Participating libraries this winter include:•
- Burnham-on-Sea
- Chard
- Dulverton
- Glastonbury
- Ilminster
- Langport
- Minehead
- Porlock
- Shepton Mallet
- Street
- Taunton
- Wellington
- Williton
- Yeovil
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, Lead Member for Communities, HRA and Culture, said:
“As the wet winter continues, we know many people feel the pressure of rising living costs. The Winter Coat Exchange is a simple but powerful way communities can look out for one another.
“Our libraries are warm, welcoming spaces at the heart of local life, and this scheme shows how they continue to support residents beyond books and learning. Whether you’re donating a coat or taking one, you’re helping someone stay warm this winter.”
Residents can take part by visiting any participating library.
For more information, people can also:
• Somerset Libraries UK Facebook page or
• email librariesmail@somerset.gov.uk.
