Shepton Mallet Library relaunches free winter coat exchange

By Laura Linham 5th Oct 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 1 hour ago

Shepton Mallet Library is taking part in a winter coat exchange offering free coats to anyone who needs one.

Somerset Council's libraries service is relaunching the scheme for its fourth year, helping residents stay warm and stretch household budgets during the colder months.

People can take a coat without donating one, or donate a coat without taking anything in return. Coats for adults and children are accepted in any shape or size, provided they are clean and in good condition.

Donations should be handed directly to a member of library staff.

Shepton Mallet is among 16 libraries participating across Somerset. The council says the scheme receives thousands of donations each year, with excess coats passed to RAFT – Refugee Aid From Taunton.

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, the council's lead member for communities, HRA and culture, said: "This scheme gets more successful every year, and we know that both donors and those needing a warm coat are really positive. Colder and wet weather will soon be with us, and this can be challenging for many, especially those who can't afford to stay warm.

"Libraries become so much more than places for reading and studying, they become warm, welcoming, social spaces – real community hubs. I hope that people can donate good quality clean items that others can benefit from."

Somerset libraries also participate in the Warm Welcome Spaces scheme, providing free places where people can spend time, meet others and access support.

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Anyone wanting to donate or collect a coat can visit Shepton Mallet Library. Further information is available through Somerset Libraries or by emailing [email protected].