EXPLORERS could soon be beating a trail to York's libraries, if councillors approve a pioneering overhaul of the service next week.

The city's first Library Learning Centre is due to open in Acomb in February, offering new state-of-the-art facilities and educational resources.

City of York Council's leisure and culture panel will receive an update on the project on December 4, when they will be asked to approve longer opening hours for the centre, and also to approve a new brand name: Explore.

A report to councillors staes: "Clearly library learning centre', although descriptive, does not express the spirit of the new centres as exciting and vibrant places. Therefore it is proposed to brand the Library Learning Centres as Explore."

Visitors will be invited to explore things such as reading, learning, and family history, under the banner "Explore at Acomb Library Learning Centre".

Similar branding will follow in due course, when other centres open in New Earswick, Clifton, Haxby and Tang Hall.

Council leader Steve Galloway, whose Westfield ward includes Acomb library, said: "I am delighted that this project is on target for completion in February. It will be the first of a series of improvements which we will be making to our library service and which are aimed at attracting new generations into the buildings.

"Combining skill training, adult education and informal leisure opportunities for teenagers and children with the more traditional services already found at the libraries, will represent a radical modernisation of the choices available to local residents of all ages."

The extension and refurbishment of Acomb library has been funded by the city council and The Learning And Skills Council.

There will be a full programme of adult education classes at the centre along with a range of library services and other community based activities, and further consultations with the local community will determine the detailed offer.

It is proposed that the facilities will also be available for hire on Wednesdays for meetings or community events and activities, and the building will also be available for young people's activities on Friday evenings.

The centres will also contain a quiet study space, an children's area and a café. Councillors are also being asked to pursue a staffed catering facility.