INNOVATIVE new plans have been drawn up aimed at modernising York's library and historic archive services for the 21st century.

The library services in York have 780,000 visitors each year who borrow more than 1.5 million books, videos, CDs and DVDs.

But pressure is being put on libraries across the UK to modernise and bring services into line with modern society

In York, ideas suggested include continuing work to improve library buildings and infrastructure, and "where possible" to improve library environments.

As previously reported in the Evening Press, city planners backed a proposal earlier this year to open a caf in York Central Library.

Opening hours could be extended, with Sunday opening of the central library suggested.

York's archives, which detail 800 years of the city's history, have been at the centre of a relocation row.

City of York Council had proposed they were moved to a new multi-million pound facility at the University of York.

But campaigners had fought hard for them to be kept in the heart of York, at their traditional home in Exhibition Square next to York City Art Gallery.

No final decision has been taken yet on the future home for the archives.

Just last month, the council announced plans to increase access to the archives by holding a special evening opening, a service it plans to make a regular feature.

Among the modernisation plans for the archives is a pledge to find a solution to the location problem using "productive partnership," the restoration of "treasured records" and the improvement of computer-based information finding equipment.

The ideas are set to be debated at a meeting chaired by Coun Alan Jones, the council's executive member for leisure and heritage, on Thursday, from 5pm.

Updated: 10:21 Saturday, March 08, 2003