Five city libraries are to share a £250,000 windfall to boost child literacy - including investment in iPads, ebook readers, projectors and 3D printers.

Birmingham City Council secured the cash from independent charity the Wolfson Foundation and will use it to attract more youngsters in libraries.

The investment is to go into Balsall Heath, Druids Heath, Kings Norton, Kingstanding and Small Heath libraries and work on the new facilities begins in the autumn.

Labour cabinet member for learning and culture Coun Penny Holbrook said: “By transforming children’s libraries into dynamic, exciting and welcoming spaces, we have demonstrated that we can increase take-up and participation in the library experience.

“This funding will enable us to continue building on this strategy, encouraging children to visit their local library for longer and try new experiences they may not otherwise have been able to access.”

The investment will see improved lighting and redecoration to make the children’s libraries more attractive to young readers and a greater investment in new technology, including tablets, e-readers, smartphones, projectors and 3D printers for use by children, as well as older library users.

A new programme of special events will see library staff trained in story telling, with community libraries working in partnership with The REP Theatre, Sonia Sabri Dance Company and Andy Spencer Media.

The project, which will include live theatre events in libraries, author visits and live online streaming of events, will also support Birmingham’s Year of Reading, as well as linking into the Children’s Literature Festival in 2015, World Book Day, National Poetry Day and Love Libraries Day.