Children's literature from Bradford's peace library may be moved to the Central Library in a drive to open up new reading experiences for young people.

Staff from the Commonweal Collection - an independent specialist library devoted to issues of non-violent social change - hope to engage more young people in educational activities through funding from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, on completion of a feasibility study.

The research involves talks with youth groups interested in learning about issues of peace, non-violent behaviour, the environment and human rights.

If funding is granted, outreach services can be increased and more than 200 children's books can be displayed at the Central Library as part of a mobile library initiative.

The Commonweal Collection of more than 11,000 books and 200 journals is based within Bradford University's JB Priestley Library. Run independently from the university, it is free for all members of the public to join and use.

Noa Kleinman, of the Commonweal Collection, said that the team wanted to continue raising awareness through projects like Poetry for Peace.

Members of the Woodcraft Folk Group in Clayton, which encourages children to care for the environment and to understand the importance of equality and social justice, are enthusiastic about strengthening ties with Commonweal.

"This will be a really positive move for Commonweal. Children can learn about serious issues in novel ways with drawings, art and stories," said Julie Carey, a parent leader of the group.

And a spokesman from the Central Library said: "We welcome the opportunity for them to use the library to reach an audience they would not be able to reach in their current location."

For details telephone (01274) 233404.