BOLTON'S libraries are extending their opening hours, all libraries will open at 9am.

Farnworth, Little Lever, Harwood, Horwich, Westhoughton and High Street will be open on Saturday, until 5pm. Blackrod, Halliwell, Heaton, Astley Bridge, Marsh Lane and Bromley Cross will be open an extra late night until 7.30pm. Meanwhile the trial of Sunday opening at Harwood Library, from 10am until 4pm has proved so successful it has been extended.

Critically acclaimed Bolton author, Ruth Hamilton said: "Libraries are vital. Children have a right to books and not everyone can afford them. Take your children to the library - the whole world is there! I spent my childhood in Tonge Moor Library without that Library I would of never seen a book."

Cllr Laurie Williamson, Executive Member for Culture, said: "Many people find it difficult to visit their library in normal working hours and the new extended opening hours will mean libraries are more accessible than ever before."