AVID bookworms got the chance to see their new-look library for the first time yesterday following a multi-million pound refurbishment scheme.

For months users of Bury St Edmunds Central Library have either had to travel to a temporary facility in Shire Hall or the Meeting House in St John’s Street to take out books.

But yesterday the town’s main library, in Sergeants Walk, reopened its doors to the public following the �2million improvement works.

The old building simply housed the library and a coffee shop but the new-look facility also hosts a new children’s centre and a Learning and Enterprise Access Point, meeting facilities and a social enterprise caf� called Caf� Libra.

Rosemary Clarke, Suffolk County Council’s portfolio holder for sport, culture, diversity, health and wellbeing, said the new facility “should be a wonderful addition to the area and a hub for local life.”

Graham Newman, the council’s children and young people portfolio holder, added: “Children’s literacy skills start long before they begin school.

“We have found in other parts of the county that co-locating children’s centres with libraries offers even greater access to learning opportunities for young people aged up to five.

“Being one of the largest in the county, Bury Library will take these opportunities to an even higher level.”

An official opening ceremony for the new-look library is scheduled to be held on September 15, from 6pm.