A charity set up to support a Suffolk library has expressed its “delight” after raising £30,000 to fund an extensive refurbishment later this year.

Aldeburgh Library is set to close for the first fortnight of September while new decoration, shelving and IT equipment is installed.

The work is being funded by the Aldeburgh Library Foundation (ALF), which has raised the five figure sum in just three years using profits from its popular adult education classes, loyalty scheme and charity Christmas cards. Suffolk County Council (SCC) and Aldeburgh Town Council have also provided grants.

Foundation chairman, Lynne Walker, said: “We’re excited about these developments which should really modernise and improve the look of the library. I’m delighted that the activities of the foundation, working together with Suffolk Libraries and with the support of many other people and organisations, will come to fruition in this project for the benefit of the community.”

The library, which also welcomes Caroline Boyd as its new manager later this month, will benefit from new carpet tiles, internal glazing panels, wheeled and wall shelving and IT areas. IT equipment is also set to be upgraded and enhanced with new features to benefit young people.

To minimise disruption the work is being carried out alongside SCC’s planned replacement of the library’s windows and doors. It will be closed from September 1-18, which has been chosen so as not to affect the current adult education classes or the Summer Reading Challenge.

Suffolk Libraries and the ALF have thanked SCC councillor Richard Smith, district councillors T-J Haworth-Culf and Maureen Jones, ATC, Waitrose, East of England Co-op, The Britten-Pears Foundation and The Latymer Trust.

Visit www.suffolklibraries.co.uk for information on alternative services while the library is closed.