Libraries across Bradford have been given £350,000 to help boost their stocks and attract younger lenders.

The cash, which has been handed over as part of Bradford Council's budget, is an extra-large payment to buy books, CDs, DVDS and talking books.

The move is part of plans to improve and broaden the range of services available to lenders.

The Council's head of libraries, archives and information Ian Watson said one of their key targets was the under- 16s. "We are particularly keen to attract more young people into libraries by improving study facilities and offering them more choice of loan material such as books and CDs," he said.

"This new funding will help the service to make major improvements to the facilities it offers.

"This includes replenishing our book stocks with new ones at branch libraries, mobile libraries and the housebound reader service."

Usually £300,000 is spent every year on replenishing stocks.

In November last year the Telegraph & Argus reported how library bosses were forced to draw up plans to halt the decline in the service after borrowing figures plummeted.

The rate of decline in library book issues in Bradford was 12 per cent in 2001/2, which was faster than the national average.

A total of £1.5 million will be poured into the libraries' core revenue budget over the next three years to bring it up to national average standards.

The cash will also be used to set up a new magazine loan service; extend homework clubs and introduce computer technology in more branch libraries; and set up promotional events to encourage more young people to use libraries.

During the next few months, staff will be working with schools, play groups and the Youth Service to promote libraries as important centres of learning.