THE traditional image of a library as a dusty and silent institution is about to be swept away.

Durham City's new library, known as the Centre for Lifelong Learning, is due to open in the spring in the Millennium City complex.

With three storeys and more than 1,000sq m of space, it will be twice the size of the current building in South Street, which was built in the 1960s.

Manager June Gowland said: "The Centre for Lifelong Learning will be a 21st Century library where people of all ages will be able to learn, get information and enjoy themselves.

"It will have all the traditional library functions, but there will be so much more."

At its core, there will be a lending collection of about 18,000 books and an extensive reference and information library.

The building will also house a local studies centre, providing access to current and historical information about County Durham.

The lower ground floor will be home to a cyberskills and open learning centre with 20 PCs, offering Internet and publishing facilities and access to a range of learning opportunities.

Mrs Gowland said: "Lifelong learning is high on the Government's agenda and this will give everyone an opportunity to improve their skills or take up new ones."

She said: "Social inclusion is very important to us and we will be encouraging minority groups to use the facilities, whether they are ethnic groups, the elderly, disadvantaged children or those with learning difficulties.

"We are particularly hoping to appeal to the 14 to 25-year-olds who tend to stop using libraries with computer clubs and special Dads and Lads sessions."

The centre is a partnership between the city and county councils, with funding from the Millennium Commission.

Along with a visitor centre and the Gala theatre, it will form the new Millennium City arts and leisure centre, in Claypath.