WORK begins this weekend on a £1m refurbishment at Walton library to bring top-class council and library services to the community.

The new look library, on Evered Avenue, will also be home to a One Stop Shop and is undergoing a huge revamp which will further improve access for disabled customers and introduce more cutting edge computer equipment, allowing customers free internet and email access.

Better use of space means there will still be 2,500 books on offer and there will also be a new children's library to keep younger readers entertained. New 'self-service' facilities are also to be introduced, meaning customers no longer need to queue at the counter.

Lib Dem Council Leader Warren Bradley said: "I am delighted Walton library is undergoing this magnificent transformation. The refurbished building will now be accessible to all members of the community, and with new computer equipment and study-drop-in areas among the many new features the library will offer a huge range of facilities.

"It is great to see these two valuable resources joining together so successfully. I hope this refurbished site encourages more people to make use of our quality customer service.

I have met with local residents to outline how this great scheme will benefit the local community."

The new One Stop Shop will be the 11th to open in the city, and the third joint One Stop Shop and library.

Local residents will now have access to all council services under one roof, ranging from Benefits and housing to council tax and education awards, with highly trained staff using the latest technology to cut waiting times and improve customer service in new modern, comfortable surroundings.

Lib Dem Executive Member for central services, Councillor Richard Marbrow said: "This is a fantastic development. Not only will local resident's benefit from an exceptional library, they will also have access to hundreds of council services under one roof. 

The facilities will bring council services closer to thousands more residents as well as giving them access to a top quality library."

In order for the refurbishment to take place, Walton library will be closed from Saturday 13th January 2007. The completely refurbished library and new One Stop Shop will open in April 2007.

In the meantime library customers are welcome to use any other public libraries in the city. The nearest are Spellow library on County Road and Fazakerley library on Formosa Drive.