THE woman at the helm of York's libraries is leaving to take up a prestigious regional post.

Annie Mauger, head of libraries and heritage with City of York Council, will be the new chief executive of the Yorkshire Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (Yorkshire MLAC).

She will take up the post at the regional development agency for museums, libraries and archives this September.

Mike Pye, of Yorkshire MLAC, said: "We look forward to Annie leading the organisation in its already well-established advocacy role for the sector."

Ms Mauger said: "I'm delighted to be taking up this challenging post at a time of big changes in the region.

"Yorkshire is so rich in national, regional and locally significant collections and projects... Museums, libraries and archives need to move forward, to take their place on the cultural, social and political agenda."

Updated: 10:20 Friday, July 18, 2003