SCHOOLS, choirs and amateur theatre groups across Wiltshire have been given a major boost with the launch of a specialist performing arts library.

The Performing Arts Library, based at Devizes Library, gives groups in the county access to a wide range of musical scores, plays and recorded music on CD and DVD.

District librarian, Maurice Chandler, said: "Schools, choirs and theatre groups will find it much easier to access the wide variety of resources the library has to offer.

"The increased opening hours will mean users of the Performing Arts Library will be able to visit throughout the week.

"The expanded floor space given over to this valuable facility and the longer opening hours should also help to raise its profile and encourage more people and groups to use it."