BOOK borrowers can do so in comfort thanks to a £500,000 refurbishment at Prestwich Library.

Work at the Longfield Centre branch has come to an end and library users are now enjoying the benefits of the improvements.

The library boasts a new joint entrance with the adjacent Council payments office, making a visit to both places much easier for customers.

New ceilings and new lighting inside the library are also in place and there are public toilets on the first floor and a disabled toilet on the ground floor.

There is now lift access to the first floor, where the space has been transformed to provide a home for Bury Councils community learning service.

Adult learners have been transferred from premises in Thorndyke Walk, Prestwich, to the library in order to comply with new laws on disabled access.

Those taking courses at the library have access to a new IT suite in pleasant surroundings.

There is also space on the first floor to accommodate a mini museum for Prestwich.

Prestwich Heritage Society is currently awaiting news of a Heritage Lottery Fund bid which will enable them to build a tribute to the towns history.

Librarian David Galloway said: "We have two classrooms and a new computer room upstairs and space for the heritage museum. Also the area co-ordinator, Carran O'Grady is back in a new office after being based at the police station.

"The library users have certainly noticed the the difference and are enjoying the improvements, especially the improved lighting, which is a lot more inviting. We have new shutters on the windows which can be opened during the day and a lot more room."

The library also offers on-line learning through the Learn Direct scheme and as people attend adult education classes they can see what the library has to offer.

The refurbishment has also received praise from an adult learner who told last week's area board that she was taking a book-keeping course.

Prestwich Library is looking forward to even more improvements next month, as from February 7, the branch will become a council information point.