Virtual tours of the public space in every Somerset library are now available to view online.

The virtual tours were put together as a way of testing a recently acquired 360° camera, which will soon be available to use in the Glass Box, an innovation and enterprise space in Taunton Library.

Councillor David Hall, Somerset County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for libraries, said: “These virtual tours are another way of highlighting Somerset Libraries are at the leading edge for using digital technology and for helping members of the community develop their digital skills. What’s more, there is evidence that tours such as this can be a valuable tool for people with autism or anxiety so they can visualise and explore spaces before physically setting foot in them.”

Although the tours have only been live for a few weeks, there have already been hundreds of click-throughs to different libraries.

To take a virtual tour of your local library, take a look at the Somerset Libraries website and scroll down to virtual tour then click the arrows to move through the space. The tours can also be found if using google maps and street view.

The tours have been added to the bottom of the page for each library on the Somerset libraries site http://somersetlibraries.co.uk/libraries/

To see more information about the 360° camera, see the Glass Box website (www.glassboxtaunton.co.uk ) and click on ‘create’.

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For further information, please contact the Press Office on 01823 355020 or email pressoffice@somerset.gov.uk