Liverpool's Central Library will showcase books from a collection of more than one million texts after its multi-million pound revamp is complete.
The renovations, due to be completed by the city's year as Capital of Culture in 2008, will double the space for books at the William Brown Street base.
Liverpool City Council has asked the government to approve plans to spend almost £50 million on the work.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is considering the application.
'Oldest and best'
Money would come from the department's Private Finance Initiative (PFI) credits.
Once completed, the Central Library is expected to become one of the key buildings in the city's World Heritage site.
Council leader Warren Bradley said: "The Central Library is one of the oldest and best used public libraries in Britain, with well over half a million visitors every year.
"This project will enable us to transform it into one of the best libraries in the country while at the same time ensuring it's preserved for future generations.
"It will just be one part of the fantastic legacy for the city after Capital of Culture 2008, and a first class facility where people both young and old can come and learn."
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