New library open before Christmas

The new library will have facilities spread over three floors

A new library described as a landmark building and a flagship for West Sussex is due to open before Christmas.

Crawley library, which forms part of a £15m complex including a new register office and county council offices, is due to open on 16 December.

The present library will close on 1 November to allow time for the biggest move of books and equipment in West Sussex library service's history.

No fines will be imposed on library users during the move.

"The actual move should take about two weeks, while four will be needed to set up stock and equipment," said Councillor Brad Watson.

"The new library will have a much higher element of self-service than the present one.

"This means we have to arrange stock in a different way, and staff will also have to be trained in different ways of working."

The new library is about three times the size of the present building.

The ground floor will have children's and teenage libraries and a cafe, with the main lending library on the first floor along with exhibition space and computer access.

The reference library, local studies and business information will be on the second floor.