Somerset Libraries has yet again been awarded the South Western Regional Library Services (SWRLS) Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Initiative Award.

The libraries service accepted the award for their Thermal Imaging Camera Loaning Scheme. In 2022, the team won it for their Pop Up Library at Glastonbury Festival. Learn about it here: www.swrls.org.uk/post/somerset-libraries-win-initiative-award.

This year's winning scheme was launched to help residents identify heat loss in their homes and take action to improve the energy efficiency and reduce fuel bills.

The cameras work by connecting to a smartphone or tablet to display a thermal image of the home and identify any areas of improvement, such as insulation or draught proofing.

Residents can borrow the camera for free by visiting their local library and speaking to a member of staff to reserve the kit. Somerset Libraries have now loaned the devices out to more than 100 residents.

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Lead Member for Communities, Housing and Culture, said, "We're thrilled that the scheme has been recognised. It's an exciting initiative and we're delighted that so many residents have used the kit to help improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

"Winning the award two years in a row is fantastic and shows just how resourceful our libraries are at helping residents in innovative ways."

Christina Evans, Library Manager and Development Officer, accepted this year's award at the SWRLS annual conference, on behalf of the library service.

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Ms Evans said: "It was a great honour to accept this award on behalf of Somerset Council and our community library partners.

"Somerset Libraries are continually evolving and developing our service to better reflect the needs of our communities with projects like this and other schemes such as loanable iPads, blood pressure monitors, activity watch trackers and much more."

Learn about the SWIRLS CIO Initiative Award here: www.swrls.org.uk/grants-and-awards.

Learn more about the Thermal Imaging Camera Loaning Scheme here: www.somerset.gov.uk/libraries/thermal-imaging-camera.