The foundation, set up in 1985 by the publisher and philanthropist, announced its new pound;2.6 million Reading and Libraries Fund on Tuesday.

Grants of up to pound;50,000 will be available although the foundation will consider at least one grant of pound;100,000 each year.

Funding will be available from April 2003- 6 in three areas, two of which could involve working with schools: Right to Read, for projects aimed at improving long-term access to books for children in care; Free with Words, to help young offender institutions and prisons improve access to books for inmates; and Libraries Connect, for initiatives to improve library services for communities which are not well served.

“The People’s Network: a turning point for public libraries” is free from Resource Publications on 020 7273 1458 or email: info@resource.gov.uk