A LIBRARY that has served generations of bookworms has closed ahead of a move to a purpose-built premises.

Thirsk Library and Customer Services Centre loaned its final books from its Finkle Street branch on Tuesday, ahead of reopening at Meadowfields, Chapel Street, at 10am on Monday (August 24).

North Yorkshire County Council had rented the Finkle Street building from a trust, and it is understood a covenant on the building stipulates it must be used for educational purposes.

The new library has been several years in the planning and is in the extra care housing scheme at Meadowfields, which has been developed in partnership with care provider Housing and Care 21.

The authority's deputy leader and Thirsk councillor, Gareth Dadd, said the new library would be larger and brighter than the Finkle Street premises, with a dedicated children’s area and space for events and activities.

There will also be more computers for people to use and free wi-fi.

More than £10,000 has been spent on new books to provide greater choice.

From 2017, the library will be run by volunteers, with support from a professional librarian.

The staffing change, which is unconnected with the library's move, was agreed by councillors last month as the council grappled with the need to make £1.6 million worth of savings from its budget.

Cllr Dadd said looking into how to make savings from the libraries funding had been a long and arduous process, adding it was a small part of the financial challenges the local authority faced.