A FUN-PACKED day to encourage young people to use the library service takes place at Blackburn shopping centre on Saturday.

The Rockin' Readers' Day is part of a project across the North West to encourage people aged 16-25 to discover what their local library has to offer; 18 local authorities are involved.

King William Square will be alive with sights and sounds to generate interest among young people, with music from DJ Matty from 12.30-4pm, anti-drugs art work by Positive Arts project, rapping and poetry with "Mr Cool" AdilB and Oz and Pat on the paint wall from noon to 4pm.

Project worker Ellie Love said: "We lose people at 14 when they discover other things and reading is crossed off the list. They see libraries as Victorian buildings where they can't talk.

"It's my job to change that impression and get them through the doors. It's been very successful and now young people are actively taking out books and DVDs."

Anyone who would like to be a volunteer on the day and help Ellie can e-mail eleanor.love@blackburn.gov.uk or telephone her on 01254 661221 ex 7241.