BUILDERS are busy working on Malvern library's ambitious new £1.5m extension as Christmas draws ever nearer.

Work began on the scheme at the library, in Graham Road, at the start of last month when the building was temporarily closed to allow staff to reshuffle stock.

The reshuffle was completed quicker than planned and building work began in earnest shortly afterwards.

The project will see a two-storey 600sq ft extension built at the rear of the building, replacing the existing 1940s extension - pulled down last month.

The site has been excavated down to a suitable level and now work is underway on the footings.

"Work is continuing and is on schedule," said Nigel Preedy, strategic library manager for south Worcestershire.

The new extension - expected to take 15 months to complete - will include a lift, quiet areas for reference and study and an internet area with 20 terminals - compared to the three currently in place.

There will also be a coffee shop downstairs and more room for library books, with three bays for reading and working upstairs.

The exhibition facilities and local studies library - both temporarily closed - will also return.

n Keith Barber, community library manager, looks at the plans outside the new extension. Picture by Marie Hodson. 51548501