Wellington's library has reopened at a temporary location while building works are carried out to its permanent home on Fore Street.

The temporary library is housed in the former over 60s club on North Street. It was officially declared open by Wellington's deputy mayor Catherine Govier at 9 30 am on Monday.

Vicky Harvey worked as the project manager overseeing the closure and reopening of the replacement library service. She said:

"Wellington is a busy library and we know from the people that have been popping in while we have been setting up, that they have been really looking forward to us opening again.

The new library was busy from the off as a number of visitors arrived to use its services on Monday morning
The new library was busy from the off as a number of visitors arrived to use its services on Monday morning (Tindle)

"There's a big demand, there's computers here, as well as printing facilities, so it's not a lot different to the original library, it's just a bit smaller.

"It's been missed for the few weeks that it has been closed from the feedback we have been getting."

The popularity of the library was evident on Monday morning, when a number of residents arrived to use the computer terminals, and to return and take out books.

The temporary service is expected to be in operation until Spring 2024 when building works at the Fore Street location are scheduled for completion.

The 10 month renovation project is set to cost £1.5 million, and will see substantial upgrading works carried out to the historic building.

The new library service will be open from 9.30 am to 5pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and will close at the earlier time of 1pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It will remain closed on Sundays.