CIVIC dignitaries and VIP guests gathered at Malvern Library to mark its reopening after a £1.5m refurbishment.

One hundred people were at the extended Graham Road building to hear chairman of the Worcestershire County Council Maurice Broomfield declare it open.

He was joined by leader of the county council George Lord, cabinet member for adult and community services Phillip Gretton and director of adult and community services Jenny Bashforth, who were all full of praise for the facility.

The building, which opened its doors to the public earlier this month, as reported in the Worcester News, now boasts a new extension at the rear with a picture window overlooking a spectacular view of the Worcestershire countryside.

It offers 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 a return date.

From the new extension a double staircase leads down to a lower level where there is a café and exhibition area.

The children's library has computer terminals to help with studies and homework and the teenage system is the first in the county to lend PlayStation 2 games.

Helen Large, marketing and development manager for Worcestershire cultural services, said all the guests had nice words to say about the new-look library.

"We had a good turnout, including one man who has been using the services for 60 years," she added.

Families are invited to a celebration of the opening of the library this Saturday where poet John Hegley will be performing, and stilt walkers, circus performers and musicians will be providing entertainment. The event, from 10.30am to 4pm, is free.