A NEW library will provide a lot more than just books to the local community, say councillors.

The new facility in Colburn will include eight computer terminals with broadband Internet access, a caf, enlarged children's section, plus district council services, such as council tax, rent and housing benefit information.

Councillor Carl Les, North Yorkshire County Council's executive member with responsibility for libraries, said: "The library and information centre at Colburn represents a major part of a project between several agencies to provide people in the area with a centre that contains various important services within one building.

"North Yorkshire County Council recognises that in today's busy world people welcome time-saving and convenient ways to make everyday errands easier.

"Now the people of Colburn can take advantage of all the new and improved services that the library and information centre offers as well as make use of the facilities of our partners."

The re-launched library and information centre is part of a larger scheme, including a neighbourhood nursery and Sure Start service.

About £25,000 has been invested in new books to offer the community a wide variety and choice.

Library opening hours have also been extended. The centre will now open until 7pm on Mondays and Thursdays.

Councillor John Blackie, the leader of Richmondshire District Council, said: "The district council has welcomed the opportunity to work in partnership with the county council, the primary care trust and others to provide a first-class community access point for all our respective services.

"There are many benefits to county and district council staff sharing the delivery of each others services. Not least, it enables a very welcome extension to the opening hours of all the facilities on offer at the centre."

The renovated library and information centre will be officially opened today by Councillor John Dennis, chairman of North Yorkshire County Council.