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Orpington residents now have access to a brand new library after it opened its doors to the public this week.

This follows successful completion of building works in less than a year to relocate the building to the Walnuts precinct in the heart of the town centre. The Council's 1.5 million improvement scheme for the facility provides modern facilities, a more pleasant community space and increased opening hours. The library was open from yesterday, Monday 16 May at 10am.

"This new library underlines our commitment to investing in first class services for residents. The library's move to the town centre will increase footfall to the heart of the town, enhancing its vitality and benefitting local businesses. We have seen new businesses open since the recent High Street improvements. The library relocation increases what the town centre has to offer and ensures it is even more competitive" said Councillor Stephen Carr, the Leader of Bromley Council.

The new building has an attractive and welcoming atmosphere, improving the character of the square. The front of the building has been transformed with a large reception area and modern structural glazing. Laid out over two floors and providing street level access, the new library has improved community facilities, including meeting areas, plenty of reading space, self service facilities and free wi-fi. It is serviced by good public transport with parking within a short walk, including a dedicated disabled parking area. Council staff accommodation for Adult and Community Services has also been completed.

Any books borrowed from the old Orpington library can be returned to the new library from Monday 16 May or any other Bromley library. Reservations can also be collected from the new building. The new increased opening hours will be Mondays from 10am - 8pm, Tuesdays to Fridays from 9.30am - 6pm and Saturdays from 9.30am - 5pm. The library will be closed on Sundays.

The library improvements scheme is in line with the council's Master Plan for Orpington to raise the town's profile and increase its vibrancy. This has included the successful High Street improvements, opened by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, welcoming new retail investors to the High Street and the renewal of the south end of the High Street with the Tesco development.

The submission of a first stage application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the extension of the Bromley Museum at the Priory in Orpington has been approved by the Council. The potential funding will allow for an extension of the museum service into part of the vacated Orpington library building. The bid will include plans for heritage repairs to the Grade II* listed building, the extension of visitor facilities, improvement of exhibition spaces and the extension of learning facilities available at the site.