Glasgow city council is considering having a bar and cafe inside the Mitchell library, one of the largest reference libraries in Europe.

The aim is to modernise the 19th-century-cum-1970s building and attract new readers to the library.

A spokesman said: "We want to make libraries places that people want to go in the 21st century, rather than just book-lending facilities.

"We are considering the idea of dedicating a space in the Mitchell which would be a restaurant or cafe with a licence."

The idea of books as a lifestyle choice - and surrounding readers with cosy sofas and coffee vendors - has worked well for booksellers, and the council hopes a similar strategy will revitalise the Mitchell and other libraries.

The spokesman said that other modernisation plans included installing internet facilities and video and DVD rental areas.

The Mitchell was built 125 years ago with the aim of rivalling the British Library in London.

It houses what is thought to be the largest collection of Robert Burns books and manuscripts in the world, including a handwritten copy of Auld Lang Syne.

Proposals for the new bar go before the council this Friday.