The Zone gets a make over

DEVON County Council Libraries launched their new look web pages for children today. The Zone, which was first launched on World Book Day 2005, is hosted by cyber dog M@x.

DEVON County Council Libraries launched their new look web pages for children today.

The Zone, which was first launched on World Book Day 2005, is hosted by cyber dog M@x. Young library members make the site their own by contributing, stories, reviews, jokes, puzzles and pictures, with the chance to win a goody bags and other prizes.

The website has been given a new look after feedback from young people.

"There were lots of interesting ideas and we've tried to incorporate as many as possible into the new site" said Councillor Sheila Hobden, Executive Member for Culture.

Alongside the regular features like interviews with well known authors and book reviews there are now music and film reviews as well as information about what libraries have on offer. There will also be more competitions.

A cartoon M@x will also be the site's new host.

Councillor Sheila Hobden continues: "We very much hope children will like the new pages and continue to enjoy their own special online library space."

The website address is www.devon.gov.uk/thezone

Current features include:

* Meet Karen McCombie - author of Ally's World and the Indie Kid

* Design a musical instrument - WIN Guitar Hero for your games consol

* See all the latest prize and goody bag winners

* Find out who won M@x's Book Club Challenge