LLANDEILO Library is to undergo major refurbishment to provide an improved service to the community.

A new IT suite will be created at the facility, along with redecoration, new carpeting and external renewal work.

The investment is being made by Carmarthenshire County Council with funding from a Welsh Assembly Government grant through CyMAL (Museums, Archives and Libraries Wales).

The council’s education executive board member, Cllr Ieuan Jones, said: “This is a major investment programme which will provide new and improved services for the town of Llandeilo.

“It is excellent news and I look forward to being able to use the new facility.”

The building will need to be closed for around three months while the work is carried out.

A temporary library service will be available at the former bookshop at 2 Market Street until the work has been completed.

The current building will close at noon on Saturday, and the temporary library will open on Tuesday, at 10am. Current operating hours will be maintained during the relocation.

Stock is currently being transferred to the Market Street premises so there will be no breaks in service.

However, there will be a reduction in the number of items on the shelves over the next few weeks as the temporary home is restocked, and space restrictions will mean there will not be so many items available.

There will still be a selection of books and DVDs for loan, and it is intended to offer internet access as soon as possible.

Regional library manager Myrddin Morgan said: “We accept that there will be some limitations in what we are able to offer in the new location, but we shall try to maintain the best service we can in the circumstances.

“We intend reopening the library towards the middle of January 2009 once the work has been completed with the precise date dependent on progress.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the work but hope that people will find the refurbishment will justify any disruption.” The existing telephone number for Llandeilo Library – 01558 823659 – will be transferred to the new facility. Opening hours remain the same, they are: Tuesdays and Fridays 10am – noon, 1.30pm - 4.30pm, 5pm - 7.pm.

Wednesdays 1.30pm - 5.30pm.

Saturdays 10am – noon.