An earlier trial brought in more people

The county's six main libraries will open on Sundays for a trial period from the autumn, creating between 60 and 70 part-time jobs.

The aim is to make the services more convenient and bring more people in.

The plan is to open the libraries at Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal, Penrith, Whitehaven and Workington between midday and 1600 BST.

Rural areas

Cumbria County Council cabinet spokesman on libraries and archives Tim Heslop said: "We hope that Sunday opening will give our existing customers an extra chance to use our service and be more convenient for them.

"Also we hope that the extended hours will encourage people who are not usually library visitors to come along and see what is on offer in an even more relaxed atmosphere."

An earlier four-month trial at Penrith library brought in a wider range of users and was especially popular with families and young people.

The council's libraries service is also piloting a service to give people in rural areas better access.

Computers will be installed in local shops and sub-post offices alongside a store of books for borrowing.