Surrey's largest library will undergo a complete refurbishment to make it the most modern and user friendly branch in Surrey.

Woking library in Gloucester Walk will end up larger when it is completely modernised under plans agreed by Surrey County Council's Cabinet Member for Change and Efficiency, Tim Hall.

The library's floor space will be increased by 127 square metres and new features will include free Wi-Fi throughout, as well as new seats, shelves, carpets and lighting.

The refurbishment will form part of a wider redevelopment of the town centre by Woking Borough Council and developer Moyallen, who will pay for the changes.

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Under the plans, the library will remain where it is but the rotunda area will be turned into a restaurant or cafe. To compensate for this the library will be expanded further inside the building including into the offices above.

No public area will be lost and the new design will make it easier to hold community events such as meetings and talks. The entrance will be in Gloucester Walk.

Mr Hall said: "This is an opportunity to fully modernise Woking library and make Surrey's largest branch bigger and better at no cost to the county council. The way people use libraries is changing and we're dedicated to providing a service that meets the needs of today's users.

"By modernising Woking library and adding services such as free Wi-Fi we can ensure it is a valued part of the community for many years to come. I'm sure library users will be delighted with the new look branch when it's finished."

The library is due to close for refurbishment in November and will be temporarily rehomed in two shops in Wolsey Place rent free. Work is due to be finished by April 2012, when the new look library will open.

(CD)