FOLLOWING on from last year, Somerset Libraries has again walked away with the South Western Regional Library Services (SWRLS) Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Initiative Award.

The library service has been recognised for the launch of its innovative Thermal Imaging Camera Loaning Scheme.

The award was accepted at this year's SWRLS annual conference by Christina Evans, library manager and development officer.

It follows its pop-up library at the 2022 Glastonbury Festival, an initiative that secured the award last year.

Ms Evans expressed her honour at receiving the award: "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."

Somerset County Gazette: A thermal imaging camera connected to a phone.A thermal imaging camera connected to a phone. (Image: Somerset Council)

This year's scheme assists residents in identifying locations of heat loss within their homes.

It allows for actions to be taken to increase energy efficiency and cut fuel bills.

Working in sync with smartphones or tablets, the cameras map out heat distribution in homes, pointing out where improvements can be brought about.

The logistics are quite straightforward: A visit to the local library to reserve the kit will have the job done, without any costs.

Somerset Libraries have thus far loaned out the devices to over 100 residents.

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, the lead member for communities, housing and culture, expressed her delight: "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."

She also lauded the library services' ingenuity, saying: "Winning the award two years in a row is fantastic and shows just how resourceful our libraries are at helping residents in innovative ways."