WORLD Book Day is a great way to encourage young people to read but for parents, it can present a dilemma – the dreaded fancy dress costume.

To mark the March 5 event, children are often encouraged to dress as a literary character, prompting debates in households across the county as to whom the young book worm wants to be – and the resultant costs.

Now, in a bid to help families save money and help the environment, Somerset Council has launched a Costume Swap scheme in county libraries.

It follows the successful Winter Coat Exchange, which saw people donate and collect warm wear over the winter, with Somerset Libraries now looking for unwanted fancy dress costumes.

From half term, people can donate pre-loved costumes at participating libraries and pick up a different outfit from the costume rail, helping children celebrate reading without the cost or stress of buying new.

Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, lead member for communities, housing and culture, said: “World Book Day is a fantastic celebration of reading and imagination, but we know it can sometimes feel like extra pressure for families.

“This Costume Swap is a simple idea that makes a big difference, helping parents save money, reducing waste and bringing more people into our welcoming library spaces.

“It shows the strength of our communities. By sharing costumes, families are helping one another while supporting a greener Somerset.”

Libraries taking part in the Costume Swap scheme in Somerset include:

• Chard
• Glastonbury
• Ilminster
• Langport
• Minehead
• Porlock
• Shepton Mallet
• Street
• Watchet
• Williton
• Yeovil
• Taunton
• Burnham-on-Sea Library

How the Somerset Costume Swap scheme works:

Donate a clean, good-quality costume at a participating library
• Browse the costume rail and choose an outfit for World Book Day
• No donation is required to take part

For more information about Somerset Libraries, visit your local branch, or email librariesmail@somerset.gov.uk.

READ MORE: Winter coat exchange continues at Somerset libraries as bad weather continues