BOOK lovers are being given the chance to cast their votes in the quest to find the country's favourite read.

North Yorkshire County Council is one of 114 library authorities supporting the 2004 WH Smith Book Awards.

A panel of celebrity judges, including the Duchess of York, Linda Barker and Martin Bashir will choose the shortlist, and the winners will be decided entirely by public vote.

People are being given the chance to sample some of the short-listed books at the county's library and information centres.

They will then be able to vote online for their favourites, using the library service's People's Network computers. Free Internet access is available at the county council's 45 branches.

There are eight categories, including fiction, lifestyle, biography and travel.

Authors nominated for the shortlist include Ian Rankin, JK Rowling, Alan Titchmarsh, Jimmy Young and David Beckham.

The library and information centre in North Yorkshire that polls the most votes will win copies of the 40 short-listed titles.

Executive member for libraries Carl Les said: "This is a great opportunity to support your local library and information centre, pick up a really good read, and vote for your favourites."

The shortlist will be announced on January 14. People can vote until February 24.