LIBRARIANS have been told their jobs are safe -- days after council bosses refused to rule out redundancies.

Concerns arose about the future of Blackburn Central Library's 60 staff when plans were unveiled to install serve-yourself machines which do the job of librarians.

The £1million refit of the Town Hall Street building is due to start in the autumn and finish in the spring.

Coun Kate Hollern, in charge of library services, then said that staff would be diverted for "new priorities" but gave no assurances librarians would be able to undertake new duties.

But today she said: "I wish to state unequivocally that the developments and improvements at Blackburn Central Library will not lead to redundancies.

"Our aim is to modernise the service and extend the opening hours making it accessible to all. We are proud of our library service but we must constantly strive for excellence."

The project will also turn the library into a 'learning centre' with computers and high-speed internet access.

Other improvements include a new disabled entrance on Northgate, the expansion of the local history section, a creche and moving offices from the ground floor to the third floor.

Meanwhile, some of East Lancashire's smaller libraries could stay open at lunchtime as part of a major review of services.

Lancashire County Council has announced a £185,000 boost to further develop and improve library standards across the county.

Smaller libraries have traditionally closed around noon for lunch but under new plans being considered they could remain open.

The libraries being considered for the changes include Haslingden, Longridge and Padiham.

Following the consultation process, any new opening times will start in January.