IT has 43 new computers, 15,000 books and 3,000 newly-laid carpet tiles, and now Redcar Central Library is ready to reopen its doors.

The library, which has been closed for two weeks for a £20,000 facelift, will open on Monday, September 2. It will be high-tech with all the new computers, paid for by the People's Network, having free internet access and word processing.

An offer to community and charity groups to collect the old tiles at the library, which it is estimated more than seven million pairs of feet have trodden on since they were laid 25 years ago, has been hailed by library staff as a great success.

Ian Wilson, Redcar and Cleveland council's lending officer, said: "The two weeks seem to have gone very quickly and I'm delighted to say that no-one has complained. Everyone accepted the need for change.

"The offer for the old tiles was a winner too. We've had lots of groups turn up at our back door to collect them. We're delighted with the refurbishment - now we're just looking forward to seeing our regular customers again on Monday."

Disruption was minimised by opening three branch libraries on their normal closing days.