Work on a £500,000 scheme to improve and enhance Acomb Library will start next month.

The start of the project had been delayed by tender negotiations, but the library will now close on Saturday (30 June) to allow staff to empty the building, ready for work to start on 16 July.

The aim of the project is to extend and refurbish the library to create a modern and welcoming venue by adding three new classrooms and an area where refreshments can be provided, as well as relocating the computer suite. Funding for the scheme is being provided by the Learning and Skills Council.

The library will be closed for approximately nine months, but Dringhouses Library will open for extra hours during this time and the mobile will also increase its stops in the Acomb area.

Fiona Williams, head of Libraries and Heritage at the council, said: "Whilst the delay in the start of the project is regrettable, it has enabled us to look carefully once again at the interior to ensure that we are making the best use of the space and delivering high quality customer focused services."

Alistair Gourlay, head of Adult and Community Education, said: "We are really looking forward to the opening of the new facility. We are already planning a range of adult education classes for the centre and are confident that the new site will be a fantastic asset for the local community."

The project will also now include a 'Changing Places' facility (enhanced toileting and changing space) for customers with disabilities.