SOMERSET’S Winter Coat Exchange initiative has expanded to 12 libraries across the county including Wellington and Minehead.

Established in 2023, the scheme, designed to support the community by providing access to warm coats to everyone, will now be in operation in 12 Somerset libraries.

Last year the scheme ran in seven libraries and now operates in the newly refurbished Wellington Library on Fore Street and Minehead Library on Bancks Street, as well as in Shepton Mallet, Street and Langport libraries.

The Winter Coat Exchange also helps to support a green and sustainable Somerset. November marks ‘Buy Nothing New’ month, a campaign led by Keep Britian Tidy.

From the water and energy used in production, to the fuel used in delivery, every new item we buy comes with an environmental price tag. The campaign highlights that ‘Recycling is good, but we can do better’.  

With more libraries on board than ever before, the expansion makes it even easier to avoid buying new.

Across the 12 libraries 546 coats have already been donated – with more than 200 already finding new homes.

Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, Lead Member for Communities, Housing and Culture said: “The scheme wouldn’t work without the generous donations from the community. All participating libraries are open to donations, just drop your coat, or coats, off during opening hours.”

 “The coat exchange really does help families, reduce waste, and save money.”

The scheme currently operates in Taunton, Priorswood (Taunton), Wellington, Dulverton, Bridgwater, Yeovil, Minehead, Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury, Street, Langport, and Chard libraries.

Each of the 12 libraries accept donations, however, Wellington, Shepton Mallet and Dulverton have received smaller number of coats. 

Coats can be taken without a donation and vice versa, and all coats of any shape or size are accepted but all donations must be of a good quality and in a clean condition.

Donors are asked to hand items directly to a member of staff at one of the participating libraries.

For more information or to participate in the Coat Exchange scheme, please visit your nearest participating library, on Facebook @somersetlibrariesuk or contact [email protected]