A ROOM at Yeovil Library used for health checks and employment advice to help residents – has been named in honour of a woman who dedicated her career to doing the same.

The Finnis Room, at the refurbished library, is named in honour of “inspirational” Louise Finnis, a former member of Somerset Council’s Public Health team.

Louise “led work on Public Mental Health with imagination, creativity and dedication”, the council said, but sadly died just a few days after she retired.

“She was also a pioneer in celebrating the value of libraries for public health,” a spokesperson went on. “She provided the inspiration and funding to create the Wellbeing zones in Taunton and Yeovil libraries.

“And she established the first collection of wellbeing books across Somerset Libraries, the Somerset Mental Health Collection. She was ahead of the time as this initiative was later mirrored by a national scheme.”

Louise’s husband, Jim Binning, cut the ribbon to open the room in the company of library and public health staff.

The council’s lead member for public health and the environment, Cllr Graham Oakes, said: “We hope her legacy is well served by this room in Yeovil Library which enables a range of wellbeing activities and support to be delivered at the heart of the community.”

The room is currently used for NHS Health Checks on Tuesdays and for the Employment Hub on Wednesdays, with the space allowing more privacy for visitors.

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