From Janet Kipling, Exeter 383654, April 09, 2008

THE brand new £1.4million library at Ivybridge, the first in Devon to use self-issue technology, will officially open its doors on Monday 14th April 2008.

The state of the art library, situated on the ground floor of the Watermark in the town centre, will also offer residents a wide range of other services including more public computers, wider range of books and media for all ages, browsing and listening facilities and an adjoining learning suite.

The new developments have been funded through a partnership including Devon County Council, Ivybridge Town Council, South Hams District Council, Devon Renaissance and Government Office South West.

As the first library in Devon to provide self service facilities, Ivybridge locals can expect to borrow their books in record time. Using their library pin number, customers can simply swipe their books and go, making queues at busy times a thing of the past.

Executive Member for Culture, Councillor Sheila Hobden, said: "This brand new facility in the heart of the community of Ivybridge pulls together an outstanding range of facilities and represents everything we are championing in our libraries for the future. We would especially like to welcome new users to the library - it's easy to join and it's free too!

"It is situated on the ground floor for easy access and will provide an imaginative and creative programme of reading activities, learning and events for all ages."

For those wanting to pop in to pick up the latest best-seller, DVD or read the daily paper, the library has a 'quick choice area' complete with comfortable seating and headphones to listen to the extensive range of CDs.

Young readers have an exciting fun area to encourage all kinds of learning, packed with books, story tapes and computers, while older students will benefit from quiet study areas, latest journals and magazines and a listening post.

The new library facilities will also allow an extension of the popular events programme including the much-loved Bounce and Rhyme sessions, story-times, book groups, author events and workshops.

A separate Learning Suite with 12 workstations and teaching facilities offers a variety of computer courses and other learning programmes provided for the community and local businesses.

Adjoining the library on the ground floor of the Watermark will be a coffee shop, an information centre providing tourist information, local transport, Citizens Advice Bureau and a Job Search facility with staff on hand to help with queries.

On the first floor of the Watermark, local residents and visitors will be able to enjoy weekly cinema screenings, concerts, exhibitions as well as regular performances from local theatre groups and touring companies.

The second floor of the Watermark will provide an ideal space for new and growing local businesses. The Innovation Centre offers 16 purpose built office units together with on-site business support, training workshops and networking events.

Opening Times for Ivybridge library will be:

Mondays Thursdays 9.30 - 7.00

Tuesdays and Fridays 9. 30 - 5.00

Wednesdays and Saturdays 9.30 - 1.00

The Library will be open to the public from Monday 14th April following an opening event at 10.00 am by local MP Gary Streeter.

Local people are invited along to a preview evening on Friday 11th April from 6.00pm - 8.00pm.