YORK'S 14 council libraries are being brought up to date with the start of a scheme offering state-of-the-art internet access to the public.

Yornet, launched at York Central Library, is part of the Government's People Network project, which aims for internet access in all public libraries. It is funded by the National Lottery's New Opportunities Fund.

The £370,000 boost means library members will be able to use one of 81 new computers for up to two hours per day, free of charge. Facilities include broadband connection, web cams, scanners and software to assist the visually impaired and partially deaf.

Library staff have received training for the new system and are now qualified to the internationally recognised European Computer Driving License Standard.

Councillor Alan Jones, the council's executive member for leisure and heritage, said: "This is an exciting development in the history of the city's libraries."

Updated: 09:21 Friday, March 07, 2003