BOOK lovers happy to share the pleasures of reading with people who are unable to reach their local public library are being sought by Somerset Libraries to join its team of Home Library Service volunteers in the Minehead area.

The service provides books and audiobooks to residents who find it difficult to go to a library due to age, illness, disability, or caring responsibilities and want to access the world of reading from their homes.

“Volunteers help combat loneliness and isolation by delivering library materials, including the loan of iPads, and spending time chatting with customers about their reading preferences,” said Lauren Davis, Home Library Service manager across Somerset.

The service is open to residents of all ages, and Ms Davis said volunteers should have ‘a passion for books and a heart for helping others’.

She said: “Anybody over 18 with a love of books and a friendly nature is welcome.

“No experience is needed, full training and support are provided.

“Volunteers must undergo a disclosure and barring service (DBS) check, and references are required.”

The job involves visiting libraries to select books and add them to the customer’s account, delivering books to customers’ homes and collecting returns, building relationships and reducing loneliness, and pointing out what other helpful services are available.

Ms Davis said: “The home library service is a free initiative and we are currently looking for new volunteers to support the service in Minehead and the surrounding area and help to make libraries accessible to all.

“This is a rewarding opportunity for anybody who enjoys books and connecting with people.

“The volunteering role is flexible and can fit around an individual’s other commitments.”

Anybody who wants to know more about the home libraries volunteering opportunity should email [email protected] or call 07814079831.