MALVERN Library opened its doors to the public yesterday after the completion of a £1.5m refurbishment, exactly 100 years after it first opened.

Staff said there was universal approval of the changes from borrowers on the busy first day.

The Graham Road building now has a splendid new extension at the rear, with a picture window overlooking a spectacular view of Worcestershire countryside. It can offer a reference library, 20 public access internet terminals, 10 per cent more books to lend and a greater number of CDs, videos and DVDs than before, with a self-service checkout system, which issues a receipt and return date.

"Customers coped very well with this on the first day and found it very straightforward. One even described it as `magical'," said Helen Large, marketing and development manager for Worcestershire cultural services.

From the new extension, a double staircase leads down to a lower level, where there is a café and exhibition area, with an opening exhibition of paintings by the renowned Malvern-based artist, David Prentice.

The children's library, redecorated in an aquatic theme with a coracle on the wall, has computer terminals to help with study and homework, while the teenage section is the first in the county to lend out Play Station 2 games.

"This was in response to popular demand," explained Ms Large.

The building, which houses the Worcestershire Hub local government information service, now also has a meeting room equipped with the latest technology for lectures and presentations.

Poet John Hegley will perform the official opening on Wednesday, May 17 at 11am at the beginning of a Family Fun Day, with stilt walkers, music, a magician and popular storybook characters Kipper the Dog and Percy the Park Keeper.

Customers at the library yesterday all agreed they liked the building.

Julia Roberts, aged 14, Student, Brookfield Road, Malvern, said: "It's fantastic, a lot cleaner and good for my homework."

Karren Newman, a teaching assistant, from The Cresant, Malvern, added: "It's fantastic, so different from before and it is well set out."

Ray Yardley, a retired optician, from Hanley Swan, said: "It's Brilliant, a real transformation."

Lester Stacy, retired, from Malvern, added: "I'm looking forward to checking my books out on the new system."

Pauline Bickerstaffe, Graham Road, of Malvern, said: "It's a lot quicker with the self check in service."