An innovative project aimed at encouraging teenagers to make the most of their local library has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

Skipton Rewind Club was launched as a ten-week course in Skipton Library in 2010 – but it proved so popular and successful that it’s still running more than 18 months later.

And, now, the project has been included as one of three shortlisted entries on the 2012 Libraries Change Lives award, organised by the Chartered Institute for Library and Information Professionals.

The award – which is open to all UK library and information services - rewards partnership projects which change lives, bring people together and demonstrate innovation and creativity. It is one of the leading accolades in the library and information world.

This year’s winner will be announced at a ceremony at the House of Commons on Tuesday, June 26, and will receive a trophy and prize money of £4,000, presented by the Culture Minister, Ed Vaisey.

Skipton Rewind offers teenagers the chance to meet library staff, a youth worker, and a professional musician, to develop their songwriting skills.

It also works to encourage them to continue to engage with the library, curbing the decline that usually occurs when children enter secondary education.

“Skipton Rewind is a fantastic success story and this acknowledgement by the leading professional organisation in the land is a marvellous tribute to the library staff who organise it,” said County Coun Chris Metcalfe, executive member for library and information services.