Opening hours are to be extended in 38 Oxfordshire libraries next week as part of a £250,000 move to improve services across the county.

Public complaints about poor facilities prompted this decision to restore services lost in budget cuts three years ago.

In addition to a ten per cent increase in opening hours, readers will benefit from more books, newspapers and periodicals and Internet access.

Oxfordshire's assistant county librarian, Yvonne McDonald, said: "The budget cuts in 1998 had a very detrimental effect on local libraries. "The council has decided to increase funding in response to public demand.

"During July and August, we undertook a major consultation exercise to determine what the public want from their local library. We had a very positive reaction."

Between April 2001 and April 2002, Oxfordshire County Council will spend £180,000 funding improved opening hours. Library managers are also spending £50,000 on new books, and £19,000 on papers and periodicals.

Ms McDonald said this indicated "the importance of libraries in their communities".