VICTORIA LIBRARY is to be transformed by a £200,000 makeover over the next two months.
Last year the Buckingham Palace Road library underwent a renovation to include self-service check-out machines, but now the layout and furniture will also be improved.
Youngsters will see a dramatic difference to the children's library, which will be refitted with bright furniture, bean bags and cushions, as well as easy-to-reach shelving to replace original shelves which are almost 100 years old.
Although some of the other original shelving is listed and cannot be changed, new furniture, including desks and chairs in the reading room, will be installed throughout.
Westminster Council's cabinet member for customers and neighbourhood, Audrey Lewis, said: "I expect the improvements we are making will be popular with everyone who uses Victoria Library.
"With such excellent free facilities, along with the quality of help and guidance available in all libraries, we have seen a recent increase in library use throughout Westminster."
Books from the gallery mezzanine on the first floor will also be moved to the ground floor to enable easier access to all users, but particularly those with mobility problems.
The specialist music library will continue to be situated on the first floor, but the enquiries desk will move to a central position to make it easier to find.
The library will remain open for the majority of the work started on March 23, with the exception of April 3 and 4, when it will be closed. Work should be completed by early May.
Victoria Library was opened in 1894 and is one of London's oldest.
The refurbishment is part of a wider £1m council scheme of library regeneration in Westminster.
Renovations are now complete at Paddington, St John's Wood and Charing Cross libraries.
