A LIBRARY has cast aside its quiet, studious image and opened its doors to ventriloquists, magicians and cartoonists.

Yesterday, Wizzo Wizard, otherwise known as Frank Johnson, paid a visit to Crook Library to entertain youngsters with a magic show and balloon sculptures.

The workshop, for children between five and eight, is one of many events organised by the County Durham library to attract more youngsters.

The library already runs an after-school club for youngsters, but during the school holiday it has staged a treasure hunt and cartoons and kite-making workshops. Next Monday, ventriloquist Ward Allen and Roger the Dog will visit and there will be mask-making and face-painting in the afternoon.

The events have been funded by Wear Valley district and Durham county councils.

Maureen Robinson, manager of the Crook Library, said: "I think the children have enjoyed it almost as much as we have.

"The events are to show libraries are more than books. We want to make the library a more accessible and exciting place.