BOOK borrowing from Bolton libraries has sunk to a new low, with 16 per cent fewer books taken from the shelves than two years ago.

New figures released by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy show that there were 152,000 fewer books taken out of Bolton libraries in 2003-04 than in the previous financial year - a decline of 9.2pc.

And figures from Bolton library service reveal that the slide has continued this year with a further seven per cent decrease.

The role of libraries has been highlighted by Tim Coates, former managing director of book store Waterstones, who fears book lending is falling so fast that within 15 years libraries will have closed.

But Bolton library bosses believe Mr Coates' views are alarmist and they remain optimistic about the future of the service, saying it is adapting to the needs of a 21st century population and that 1.5 million books are still borrowed every year.

Marguerite Gracy, head of Bolton Libraries, says that while borrowing of books and audio visual material may be declining, the number of people visiting libraries is increasing. In 2003-04, a total of 129,6381 visits were made to the borough's libraries, an increase of 1.2 per cent on the previous year.

Mrs Gracy says that where investment is made in buildings and stock, including computers, the public uses libraries more.

At the refurbished Horwich library, borrowers are up by two per cent and Sunday opening at another library has lead to a 10 per cent increase in books taken out.

In the past two years, £500,000 has been spent improving borough libraries.

The internet has had a big impact, according to Mrs Gracy, who says people are now doing research on library computers rather than borrowing books.

But libraries have become increasingly popular in other areas, especially with people wanting to research their family histories.

"We are having to evolve into an animal fit for the 21st century," said Mrs Gracy.

Internet the key to the future

CHRIS Maloney, of Duke Street North, Bolton, is a regular user of the Central Library in Le Mans Crescent and visits the psychology section two to three times a week.

He strongly disagrees with former Waterstones boss Tim Coates that libraries will close within 15 years.

Rather than other mediums such as the internet wiping out the library, he feels it will help libraries to grow.

He said: "I think the way libraries are laid out gives something for everyone.

"Having internet access gives people the ability to gain more up to date information."

Bolton Libraries top 10 most borrowed titles in May 2005:

1. The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown

2. Change Your Life In Seven Days - Paul McKenna

3. Digital Fortress - Dan Brown

4. The Diamond Girls - Jacqueline Wilson

5. The Third Degree - James Patterson with Andrew Gross

6. Clean Break - Jacqueline Wilson

7. Brother and Sister - Joanna Trollope

8. The Narrows - Michael Connelly

9. Remember Me - Lesley Pearse

10. Angels and Demons - Dan Brown