THE latest stage of the rolling programme to modernise York's library service could see special late-night sessions for young people.

Earlier this year, plans to modernise York's library and archive services for the 21st century were revealed.

These included building a caf in York Central Library and opening on Sundays.

On Monday, City of York Council leisure chiefs will discuss opening Acomb, Tang Hall and New Earswick libraries for an extra evening a week - and aiming the sessions at young people.

Creating a post of young people's development worker for libraries will also be discussed.

A Government fund of £38,000 has been allocated to the council to help it meet its target of 446 library opening hours a week. The current total is 387 hours a week.

Janet Thompson, libraries manager, said in a report: "Targeting sessions to young people will be a new way of delivering library services with the aim of attracting the group who are least likely to use them now.

"If successful, it could have a high impact in the areas concerned and could prove to be a model for other areas.

"Some extremely valuable community work has already taken place at New Earswick Library, particularly with young people. Teenagers who previously had no interest in the library are now becoming users."

The meeting starts at 5pm on Monday. Members will also discuss plans to open the central library on Thursday nights, to fit in with weekly late-night shopping.

Updated: 10:54 Saturday, July 12, 2003