BLACKBURN'S Central Library has gone from strength to strength since its refurbishment, says a council report.

The library in Town hall Street reopened in April after a major revamp.

Opening hours were changed and new services were offered.

In the first three months since reopening the library loaned out 291,000 items -- ten per cent of which were borrowed by people using self-service machines.

Improved community rooms, where study sessions attended by over 30 people are held regularly, are also said to have given the service a boost.

The library has also recruited a new member of staff to target 16 to 24-year-olds and is working with colleges to encourage all new students to use its services.

Council bosses say this has meant staff being used in a more effective way at no extra cost.

More than 70 tours have been made to the library since it reopened and an Australian librarian called in.

A report said the 'library experience' had been changed for all users and all aspects of the service would continue to be monitored.