A NEW collection of books and DVDs about autism are being brought to libraries across Somerset.

The resources will be introduced by Somerset County Council from Thursday, November 12.

The new collections have been developed to help the estimated 5,400 people with autism in the county and provide people with information about it, and raise awareness and understanding about the condition.

There will be five large collections in Taunton, Yeovil, Frome, Bridgwater and Williton libraries as well as an additional 31 smaller collections.

Councillor Anna Groskop, Somerset County Council, Cabinet Member with responsibility for health, said: "I am delighted to help launch these new autism collections in Somerset libraries on Thursday, November 12.

"We know that easy access to good quality information plays an important part in people having a better understanding and awareness of the condition.

"The collections have been designed with everyone in mind.

"They include information about autism, advice about how to live with it on a daily basis, fictional titles, books for children and young people and biographies from people who share their personal experiences of living with autism."

All titles can be reserved free of charge at any Somerset Library or at www.librarieswest.org.uk.

For more information about the books within the collections, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/autismcollection.