Libraries to get £15.3m makeover

The windfall is part of an £80m investment into libraries in England

More than £15m in lottery cash will be given to libraries across London to help improve services.

Twelve libraries will share the money to renovate, extend or build new libraries to offer a broader range of activities to local residents.

The funding will help libraries to offer activities such as reading groups, language classes and health initiatives.

The scheme is part of an £80m England-wide library investment.

'Landmark building'

Debbie Pippard, of the Big Lottery Fund, said: "An increasing number of people are using library services in London and it is clear that our local libraries are at their best when they act as focal points for community life."

Full list of grants Brent, £1.5m Croydon, £1.4m Ealing, £1.3m Enfield, £0.9m Haringey, £1.1m Islington, £0.8m Merton, £0.9m Southwark, £1.4m Sutton, £1.5M Tower Hamlets, £2m Wandsworth, £1.5m Westminster, £1.1m

Sutton Council will receive almost £1.5m to build a new two-storey library and community centre designed to be a high-quality, eco-friendly and accessible landmark building.

Meanwhile, in Croydon, a £1.3m grant will extend the existing library in Thornton Heath, originally built in 1914.

The grant will make it a "focal point" for learning, development and creativity.

In the East End, Tower Hamlets will get the biggest single grant of all the London councils, with £2m being used to build an inclusive library, information centre and learning centre.