CREDITON Library is to be brought into the 21st century thanks to Devon County Council.

It has earmarked six Devon libraries - in Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Ilfracombe, Seaton, Dawlish and Crediton - for major refurbishment at a total cost of £650,000.

Plans for the new-look Crediton library go on display at the library next week.

The plans, already viewed by the Courier, show a more adaptable layout so that the space can be used for a wider variety of purposes.

The new-look library will include new self-service kiosks; computers with internet access; free wi-fi; a new space for young people; new furniture for children; a quiet study area; and comfy seating.

Devon County Council's cabinet member responsible for Devon's libraries, Cllr Stuart Barker, said: "This year, despite us setting the lowest ever Council Tax rise in this council's history, we are allocating £650,000 to transform six libraries into modern, 21st century libraries.

"We are determined to continue improving our library service across rural Devon.

"National figures suggest that less people now use libraries, but in Devon we are bucking that trend.

"In areas where we have invested already, library membership figures are rising, and that's because they are providing a much wider range of services of interest and relevance to local people. Our new library in Ivybridge for example has increased its usage by over 120 per cent.

"By improving the layouts and introducing self-service kiosks, our library staff will be able to spend time helping people with their enquiries and choices.

"The overall aim is to make sure our libraries attract a much wider range of people of all ages - particularly teenagers who often feel that libraries have nothing to offer them.

"The libraries will look and feel brighter, be more welcoming, and will be better equipped to deal with the bigger choice of books and other services to meet people's needs."

Crediton Librarian-in-charge, Beatrice Coveney, said: "This is great news for Crediton.

"It will transform Crediton Library into a 21st century library.

"We have been steadily increasing our membership and more members means better facilities."

She explained that there will be more modern furniture, a new service desk, a bigger study area for teenagers and book shelving would be on wheels to enable it to be moved for certain events.

She said there would be a social area for teenagers and the children's area would also be altered.

"There is a big demand for exhibition space in Crediton so we will have a big exhibition space.

"I hope that more people who still think Crediton Library has nothing to offer them will use the wider range of facilities we will have."

County Councillor Nick Way (Crediton Rural), said: "This is great news for Crediton and for library users.

"Not only is it good to improve facilities for existing customers, but we need to tempt back former customers who for one reason or another have not used the library for some time.

"We also want to encourage new customers to step across the threshold for the first time."

The library will close temporarily for the refurbishment from Wednesday, April 28 to Thursday, May 20.

The library will be offering extra books or other items on long loans during this time to tide library users over.

"Libraries Alive!" sessions will continue to run every Tuesday morning from 10.30am to noon, relocated to the Age Concern building opposite the library.

Anyone needing to contact library staff during the period can email: [email protected]">[email protected] .