A LIBRARY that has been extensively refurbished to serve the whole community in north Suffolk was officially opened last night. Lowestoft Library in Clapham Road South has undergone a transformation and is set for the 21st Century and includes the record office and learning centre.

A LIBRARY which has been extensively refurbished to serve the community in north Suffolk was officially opened last night.

Lowestoft Library in Clapham Road South has undergone a transformation and is set for the 21st Century and includes the record office and learning centre.

All thoughts of libraries being dull and stuffy have been banished and since re-opening to the public this week the new building has been widely praised.

Last night there was an official opening ceremony attended by BBC's Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq and representatives of Suffolk County Council including councillors Jane Hore and Kathy Pollard.

The refubishment, costing £4.5 million, has seen new books, new shelving, sofas, armchairs and 50 computer terminals all equipped with the latest Windows XP operating system.

There has also been a big effort made to make the new library attractive to all ages.

Teenagers from the high schools in the area were all asked to have their say on what they wanted included in the new library.

"We have done our best to accommodate them and our teenage section, or T-zone, has sofas, eight computer terminals for surfing the internet, plus a selection of books, videos and magazines which they chose themselves," said assistant locality manager Anne Severino.

The fiction and reference part of the adult section is on the first floor of the building together with the learning centre that offers a series of courses in conjunction with Lowestoft College.

The new centre has the latest technology to help anyone who wants to brush up their computer skills, including a specially adapted terminal for people with physical difficulties.

The children's section has a play area, toy library, and computer terminals, and the colourful new café area offers light snacks, tea and coffee.