From Michaila Hill, Exeter 382535, December 02,2008

Young readers belonging to the Newton Abbott Library Newts book club has beaten all other book clubs in Devon in the first book club challenge from M@x the libraries' cyber dog.

During the summer all the children's book clubs in Devon were challenged to design a robot librarian. They were asked to consider the various tasks a librarian undertakes and how a robot would do them.

The young creative minds at Newton Abbott Library thought carefully about this and decided that a drop down book shooter that would make shelving books easier would be essential as well as a belt with craft material and sweets that never runs out. The robot would also wear super quiet slippers so not to disturb library visitors.

"What a fantastic robot" said Councillor Sheila Hobden, Executive Member for Devon's libraries. "If only shelving could be made easier for our hard working library staff across the county.

"I'm delighted to see book clubs such as this expanding. They are an excellent way to develop a love of reading within a child, and to encourage children to use the wide range of services on offer at Devon County Council libraries."

Local County Councillor Gordon Hook said: "Many congratulations to the Newton Abbot youngsters who have beaten off challengers from all over Devon. A very real and highly praiseworthy effort.

"My hope is that this will only serve to strengthen the love of books and lead to a life long love affair not so much with robots (though nothing wrong with that I hasten to add!) but literature".

Each member of the book club won two cinema tickets donated by Scott Cinemas.

M@x is a cyber-dog who hosts the children's library web pages called The Zone. To find out more visit www.devon.gov.uk/libraries/thezone.

For more information about Devon's libraries visit www.devon.gov.uk/libraries.

Notes to editors

Councillor Sheila Hobden can be contacted on 01392 277630

Councillor Gordon Hook can be contacted on 01626 362070