THOSE looking for new ways to get active this January can do so at their local libraries in West Devon.

During the month, 54 libraries across Devon will be hosting events and activities designed to get people of all ages exercising their mind, body and soul.

Libraries Unlimited, the charity that runs Devon and Torbay’s libraries will launch its sixth annual Active Life Mind programme on January 3. The month-long programme sees more than 250 events taking place across the county, including several across West Devon.

All 54 of Devon and Torbay’s libraries will be hosting events. The 2019 Active Life Active Mind programme will feature the largest number of activities and library participation ever with a diverse programme of events for people of all ages and interests.

Events taking place across West Devon include a visit from charity Dogs Trust at Chagford Library on Thursday, January 31, where library users and visitors can learn about the health benefits of adopting a dog and also what to do if they find themselves no longer able to look after a pet.

Okehampton Library will be working in partnership with Drink Wise Age Well on Thursday, January 10. This is a chance for locals to connect with the project and to find out what they provide and how they can offer support. The project has two main focuses — encouraging and supporting healthier relationships with alcohol and reducing social isolation within the over 50s community.

Local author Rosy Teale will be stopping at Tavistock Library on Thursday, January 17 as part of her Devon libraries tour. Rosy’s novels focus on the idea of women caught in crisis who must find the way to an empowering resolution. She is also fortunate to have a second successful area of interest in which to explore and inspire others in the art of designing family history memoirs.

Tavistock Library will also launch its new ‘Loneliness Book Group’ on Monday, January 21. The group has been set up to help tackle isolation and loneliness for residents of the town.