AVID readers are looking forward to new improved facilities at Wotton Library.

Essential maintenance work begins on the building next month, including repairs to the roof, but the interior will also be redecorated and a new ‘Pod’ counter will be built.

This is a small counter that acts as less of a barrier between staff and customers, encouraging more interaction in the library space with staff helping people to find what they need and giving advice.

The library building will need to close for 14 weeks from June 22 until September 28 but the library service will continue for 12 of those weeks from the Bradley Room in the Civic Centre in the town.

There will be no service available for two one-week periods at each end of the closure (week commencing June 22 and week commencing September 21) to allow for the move to the Civic Centre and the return to the library building.

During these times, customers will be able to return books, CDs or DVDs they have borrowed to any library in the county. The nearest libraries to Wotton are Dursley and Nailsworth. Customers can also use the website, www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries or call 0845 2305420.

Mary Tucker, library team leader for Stroud and the Cotswolds, said: "These works will improve Wotton Library both externally and internally and I’m sure that customers will like the changes.

"We are really grateful to the town council for their support and for offering to provide a temporary home for the library service in Wotton.

"This relocation will mean that we can also continue to offer some of our popular sessions, such as the children’s storytimes and the library club, during the closure period."