A TAUNTON insurance broker has launched a community book exchange to help everyone experience the joy of reading this autumn.

Howden Taunton is inviting people to donate, exchange, or pick up books at its office.

To further encourage reading, the team will host giveaways, children's storytime sessions, and coffee mornings in the coming weeks.

As part of the initiative, Howden Taunton is giving away free copies of children's books, including Kay's Brilliant Brains, The Worst Class in the World in Danger, and A Dragon Realm Adventure.

Andy Reid, branch manager at Howden Taunton, said: "People may wonder why an insurance broker is campaigning about reading, but we believe in the power of insurance as a force for good.

"We’re passionate about caring for our clients, our community and the causes that matter to them.

"Reading has huge benefits, developing our vocabulary and writing skills, social awareness, and critical thinking abilities.

"There are well-documented correlations between reading, attainment, and long-term outcomes in life.

"But accessing books can be a real challenge for many people, especially in the wake of the cost-of-living crisis."

The book exchange follows the success of Howden's football boot and rugby kit exchanges, which have helped more than 600 young people keep playing their beloved sports.

The initiative is part of the broker's commitment to supporting the community.

Howden Taunton is a local insurance broker, rated ‘excellent’ across more than 50,000 reviews.

The team not only focuses on understanding clients and the specifics of their insurance needs, but also prides itself on using Howden’s collective power to support local people and the Taunton community.

This commitment to community service contributed to Howden being named the Insurance Broker of the Decade.

If you would like to collect, exchange, or donate books, you can visit the Taunton branch at 1 St James Street, Taunton, or ring 01823 429779 to speak with a member of the team.