A WINTER coat exchange is continuing in public libraries across West Somerset as temperatures drop.

The community scheme offers warm coats to residents and ensures good quality items remain in use through libraries in Dulverton, Minehead, Porlock, and Williton.

A Somerset Council spokesperson said: “With cold and wet weather set in, libraries are reminding residents that the winter coat exchange continues across the county, offering free access to warm coats for anybody who needs one.”

Now in its third year, the 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 Refugee Aid From Taunton (RAFT), 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

Somerset executive Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts 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 are donating a coat or taking one, you are helping somebody stay warm this winter.”

Residents can take part by visiting any of the libraries involved in the scheme.

More information is available on the Somerset Libraries UK Facebook page or by emailing [email protected].