Work has begun on a new £2.2m library in Wolverhampton.
Construction on the Wednesfield library is due to take a year and is designed to give greater space for books, computers and study facilities and in particular for a children's library.
The library is co-funded by Wolverhampton City Council with a 1.4m grant from the Big Lottery Fund's Community Library fund.
Councillor Matt Holdcroft, cabinet member for leisure and culture said: "We are really excited that construction work on this much-needed library is now under way.
"The library service is well used and much valued in Wednesfield and the new library will be a visible symbol of the regeneration of the area."
The council worked with the Wednesfield Community Association to arrange the community areas of the new library which will offer rooms for local groups and residents to hire.
Assistant city librarian Andrew Scragg said that an advisory group had been set up to help with the new design: "We think it's really important that local people are involved with this exciting project, advising us what they would like to see and how we can best create the library they want."
March 2009