The team at Ottery St Mary Library is launching 'relaxed sessions', starting on Saturday, November 4.

The new 'relaxed sessions' are bookable sessions where you get sole use of the library for 25 mins - you can browse books, use public access computers or photocopying and printing services.

The Library can also be adapted for your specific needs e.g., low lighting/low noise, and a range of sensory toys and aids to help make visits more comfortable. They have also designed a visual guide to the library which they can send to you before your visit, to enable you to feel at ease and know what to expect during your visit.

A spokesman for Ottery Library said: "We aim to break down the barriers and ensure everyone feels happy and welcome to use our library.

"Whilst everyone is welcome to use our library at any point, we understand that some people feel worried about visiting somewhere new, and others may have additional needs due to autism, ADHD or another condition which means they are not comfortable using the library during public opening times.

"We hope that some people will use these sessions to get used to the library environment and move on to using the library during general public sessions, but we also appreciate that some people may only feel comfortable visiting the library during our relaxed sessions, and either is ok."

The Gibbons Trust has provided funding for some extra equipment for our library, and Devon County Council Growing Communities fund for funding staff time.

The sessions will take place between 9 – 10am on Saturday mornings and you can book these by contacting the library on: 01404 813838 (during opening hours).

Libraries in Devon and Torbay are run by Libraries Unlimited, an independent staff and community-owned charity. Join up for free by filling in the online form. Follow Libraries Unlimited on Facebook.