BOOK-LOVERS enjoyed a novel experience in Lindley yesterday with the reopening of its new-look library.
Some £200,000 has been spent on an extension, easy access entrance, new stock, new computers and furniture.
Popping corks greeted the first of the visitors who swamped the library at Lidget Street.
Refurbishment work has been carried out over six-months.
The library is a third bigger than before. Work has included knocking through to what was once the stage in the former Mechanics Hall.
Visitors loved the refit.
Philip Spencer, 38, was browsing new titles with his seven- year-old daughter Sophie.
He said: "It's very nice. Very light and airy."
He was among many parents pleased to see improvements in the children's area.
"They have a proper little space with little toys now to keep them occupied," he said.
Sophie, too, was delighted at the changes.
"It's got a much bigger children's section," she said.
Brian Cocking, 73, of Birchencliffe, said: "I have been looking forward to this all through winter. This certainly shows a commitment to libraries."
Beverley Wood, 32, of Quarmby, was one of the first through he doors with daughters Sophie, four, and six-month-old Emily.
Sophie enjoys reading Beatrix Potter while her mum likes murder-mysteries by Agatha Christie.
Beverley said: "It's lovely here. The staff are always great."
Library assistant Linda Earnshaw looked on with pleasure at the crowd cooing over the new titles.
She said: "A lot of the old stock has been done away with.
"It's a very busy library and it always has been."
