A NEWly-opened library has proved a big hit with readers.

Trimdon's £180,000 library issued more than 200 books on its first day of operation.

The library, run by Durham County Council, was built in partnership with the North Eastern Co-op and has about 8,000 books, as well as free Internet access, e-mail and a PlayStation 2.

The library had been operating from the village hall while the building, next to the Co-op store in Church Street, was being built.

Local people were asked which opening hours would suit them best. As a result, the library is open 9.30am to 12.30pm on Mondays and Saturdays, 9.30am to 12.30pm, and 1.30pm to 7pm, on Tuesdays, 9.30am to 12.30pm, and 1.30pm to 5pm on Thursdays.

As well as books, information, photocopying and public access computers, the library has books, storysacks and story tapes for children.

Events are already been planned at the library, including a regular Monday coffee morning.