ANDOVER Library has been officially opened following a £32.5k redevelopment, with civic chiefs, staff and visitors in attendance.

Hampshire County Council’s executive member for recreation and heritage, Councillor Seán Woodward, cut the ribbon on the branch on March 21.

Cllr Woodward said: “I’m delighted to officially open the doors of the newly improved Andover Library. It really does offer a great space for customers to meet, read, learn and play in.

“There’s a new community room available to groups and organisations, and a larger children’s library, meaning we can accommodate more customers and encourage more young readers.

“We’ve also changed the layout of some sections to allow easier access to some of the most popular items.

“This refurbishment forms part of our investment in libraries across Hampshire, modernising these important public facilities so that they not only reflect the needs of the communities in which they are located, but are effectively maintained and sustained in the long term.”

Work took place between October 2018 and February this year, when it was opened to the public.

The library now benefits from a larger children’s area, while there are self-service kiosks and extra facilities such as a meeting room and an accessible toilet.

There is also a new community room to hire and improvements to the customer entrance and reception area.

Cllr Woodward added: “I would encourage everyone in the area to come and visit, and to get the most out of your local library.”

The county council has also confirmed that plans are in place for the Andover Registration Office to be located in the library from summer 2019.