Overhaul for historic buildings

The Yorkshire Museum is spending two million pounds on its refurbishment

Two of York's historic public buildings are closing this weekend for refurbishment.

The city's central library is being shut for major modernisation work. The Yorkshire Museum is also closing for a £2m redesign.

Both projects are expected to completely transform the buildings, making them far more accessible to residents and visitors.

The library will reopen in April and the Yorkshire Museum in August 2010.

The City of York Council said the modernisation of the library, which was built in the 1920s, would make it a far better centre for adult learning, as well as reading and reference.

During the work the library service will also be merging the local history library and city archives to offer researchers improved facilities.

'York's treasures'

Fiona Williams, head of libraries for York council, said: "It is really time to refresh the service to ensure we're providing something that will be relevant for the next 80 years or so."

First opened in 1830, the Yorkshire Museum is one of the oldest purpose-built museums in the country.

A key part of the plan is to reveal more of the original Grade I listed building.

Janet Barnes, chief executive of York Museums Trust, said: "The Yorkshire Museum is home to a thousand stories which can be told through some of the most significant archaeological finds and scientific collections in Europe.

"With this investment we hope to create a space to proudly show off York's treasures."