LANCASHIRE'S libraries have been named among the best in the country, thanks to a series of innovative schemes designed to get people learning.

The Audit Commission has awarded Lancashire County Council's Library Service two stars in recognition of its achievements so far, meaning that it is doing a good job.

It has three stars - excellent - in respect of its potential to improve in the future.

It came sixth among the 30-plus library services inspected so far.

Inspectors found a customer-focused service with friendly, approachable and knowledgeable staff.

Their report also highlighted the clear and challenging aims of the service and the contribution made to lifelong learning, social inclusion and other key objectives of the council.

County Councillor Marcus Johnstone, in charge of the county's libraries, said: "This is excellent news and proves that the County Council is capable of providing highly valued public services."

"We have long known that the people of Lancashire value their libraries and now we have proof that we are providing a great service."

Lancashire's libraries have introduced a number of community- focused activities in recent years which have contributed to its success. These include:

Smile Centres: Activity centres based within 15 libraries throughout Lancashire to help children with learning difficulties and their families using a range of media.

People's Network: A national project which enables public libraries to provide free access for all to the Internet and other electronic information. Lancashire is on target to have all 84 libraries connected to the Network by the December 2002.

Dads and Lads: A project to encourage more fathers to read with their sons. The scheme, which uses sporting activities to encourage learning, was developed after research suggested not enough fathers were involved with their sons' early education.

Children's Book of the Year: An annual event involves young people from Lancashire's schools in awarding their own 'Booker Prize'.

Coun Johnstone added: "Our policy is always to look for ways to improve our services.

"The report points out a number of ways we can continue to raise standards.

"We have put plans in place to develop more customer-friendly opening hours."