BACUP Library has officially reopened its doors following a major refurbishment to update and improve facilities.

The new-look library, on St James Square, has been designed to provide a light, spacious and open environment with mobile shelving to create flexible community spaces.

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Other improvements include automatic doors that are accessible for disabled people and baby–changing facilities.

The upgrade also involves the installation of a new plasma screen, more public computers and free Wi-Fi.

A drinks machine and a self–service unit allowing customers to manage their own transactions are also now available.

It closed in January and re-opened to users at the end of April with new extended opening hours.

They are Monday 9.30am to 7pm; Tuesday and Wednesday, 9.30am to 5pm; Thursday, closed all day; Friday, 9.30am to 5pm; and Saturday, 9.30am to 4pm.

Lancashire County Council culture boss Marcus Johnstone, who performed the official opening, expressed his delight at the refurbishment.

The Burnley West and Padiham councillor said: “The library boasts some great new features, including moveable shelving, which will allow more public activities and community events to take place here.

“A library has an important place in its local community, for everyone from the under–fives who are learning to read, to older people learning how to use and to make the most of the access to digital information and technology.

“We’ve even altered the opening hours to fit with those times users told us would be more useful.

“In these difficult financial times, it’s great to be able to improve a much-loved local service and I hope everyone in Bacup makes the most of their new library.”

Chairman of Lancashire County Council Margaret Brindle, also at the opening, said: “ “The library is a meeting place for a reading group, a family history group, children’s story time, ‘knit and natter’ groups, adult basic computing courses and careers advice.

The revamp to modernise and improve facilities at the library is part of Lancashire County Council’s Library Regenerate Programme.