AN EAST Lancashire library is set to re-open after a £200,000 refit.

A new roof, new windows and a new layout is to be unveiled at Longridge Library.

The facility has been closed for 12 weeks while improvements have been carried out and the doors are set to open on Monday, September 19.

Audrey Taylor, manager at Longridge Library, said: “People will hardly recognise the library. As well as new windows and a new roof, there's a completely fresh layout with new flooring and modern comfortable furniture.

“We now have moveable shelving so we can make room for community events and activities, and Wi-Fi access will allow people to use their own laptops.

“To help make borrowing or returning items even easier, we've installed a new self-service machine. We also have lots of new stock."Then there are public toilets, baby-changing facilities and a new vending machine – all of which add up to a more welcoming, user-friendly feel.

“The overall effect is very impressive. The refurbished library really is a great facility for local people of all ages.”

Staff were relocated to other Ribble Valley libraries while the building work was taking place, and volunteers kept the home library service running throughout the closure.

The refurbishment is part of a programme designed to improve the counties libraries.

Other recent work has taken place at Colne and Brierfield Libraries.