GOING on an adventure with Wallace and Gromit, playing with an orchestra, or taking a trip in a World War Two bomber. They all sound like thrilling experiences – and they are on offer to all in Somerset this summer.

From June 28 to July 11, libraries in Taunton, Bridgwater, Yeovil and Chard will be giving people the chance to venture into interactive virtual worlds.

The virtual reality (VR) experiences will be on offer at Digital Spaces, a new programme being launched in association with Arts Council England, the British Film Institute, and The Space.

The programme for the VR Experiences Tour at Somerset libraries is as follows:
Taunton Library: Saturday, June 28, 10am-3pm
Bridgwater Library: Thursday, July 3, 10am-3pm and Friday, July 4, 10am-1pm
Yeovil Library: Saturday, July 5, 10am-1pm and Monday, July 7, 10am-3pm
Chard Library: Tuesday, July 8, 10am-3pm; Thursday, July 10, 10am-3pm; Friday, July 11, 10am-3pm

There is no need to book, and visitors of all ages are be encouraged to get hands-on with the venture, from pre-teens to older people, although anyone 12 or under will need a consent form signed by a parent or guardian.

“We are delighted Somerset has been picked for this amazing experience,” said Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, executive member for communities at Somerset Council.

“I hope the experiences on offer will encourage many more people to discover what exciting places our libraries are. The experiences are all different so will have a broad appeal.

“We have a great reputation for getting people engaged with the digital world. This will put Somerset firmly on the map and prove that our libraries are so much more than places to borrow books.

“It will be a great experience for everyone who takes part and, once we have the logistics in place, we will make sure people know how they can join in and embark on some incredible adventures.”

There will be a second chance to try out the VR experiences when the headsets come back to Somerset libraries early next year, with times and venues to be confirmed.

Fiona Morris, CEO and creative director of The Space, said: “Libraries play a vital role in society so we’re delighted to embark upon this programme which will turbocharge the library offering and provide an abundance of digital creative opportunities for communities.”

The Digital Spaces initiative is coming to Somerset libraries this summer. Picture: Somerset Council