Hushed whispers and the quiet flick of turning pages are the only sounds to echo across the Kensington Central Library now.

But in the near future, if Kensington and Chelsea Council's ambitious plans are realised, workmen's saws and hammers may smash the sound of silence - all for a good cause.

The council has now unveiled its £14 million scheme to revitalise the iconic building, which was built in 1960. It is drawing on the institution's history in order to create a modern library, fit for future generations of Royal Borough bookworms, by Autumn 2010.

Head of libraries Jane Battye explained: "This is a Grade II* listed building, designed by E. Vincent Harris, and we want to respect its history and try to revitalise it."

Under the suggested plans, the existing library will be stripped back in July.  After a year of building work, its striking black and white original floor will again be displayed. A new entrance will be installed between the stone unicorn and lion in Phillimore Walk, Kensington, and light shafts will spread natural sunlight through the building.

Two more floors of the six level building would be open to the public, and a new teenage section built. A huge systems overhaul will be completed, replacing lighting, heating and ventilation systems.

Library user Jonathan Maclim, 65, of St Charles Square, North Kensington, who has lived in the borough for 35 years, said: "I was very worried initially, I thought it might be turned into an internet cafe type library. But these plans improve the integrity of the building and I believe it will make more people use it."

And on Thursday council officials reassured this newspaper that none of its 40 staff will be threatened by the revamp, which will include a self-service system for checking out books.

Cllr James Husband said: "Kensington Central Library will be run more effectively. This is not going to impact on any other libraries and we will need the same staff to operate this much bigger library."

* You can view the new plans at Kensington Central Library in Phillimore Walk until Saturday.