A NEW ‘personal shopper’ service is being introduced in libraries across Somerset, which will start reopening in Taunton on Monday.

Minehead library is among four that will open again on July 13 and others, including Wellington, are expected to open in August.

The Somerset Mobile Library Service should also be back later in the year and the Home Library Service, delivered in partnership with the Royal Voluntary Service, has started to deliver books to people unable to leave their homes.

The personal shopper service enables people to request library books either by email, website or phone, using a new borrower request form.

By providing staff with a few key details about what they are looking for, a hand-picked selection of books, audiobooks, and DVDs will be made available for collection. No hire charges or fines will be applied in the interim.

Internet access will be available primarily for users who do not have home internet access and require essential services.Computers will need to be pre-booked and will be available for up to an hour.

County Cllr David Hall, cabinet member with responsibility for libraries, said: “Staff have been busy ensuring that we minimise risk for staff and customers.”

Any items currently on loan from libraries that remain closed may be returned to Taunton library from Monday, but people are being encouraged not to make unnecessary journeys to do this.

Anything that would have been due back during the lockdown have been extended to the end of August, and any overdue charges that customers might have incurred as a result of library closures due to Covid-19 have been waived.

The borrowing request form will be available via the Somerset Libraries website or by contacting [email protected] or 0300 123 2224.