BOOKWORMS in Malvern will be able to break from browsing tomes to enjoy a cup of coffee and bite to eat in a library caf.

The snack bar at Malvern Library, in Graham Road, is part of a £1.5m extension and refurbishment, due to be finished by January 2006.

Worcestershire County Council's cultural services department has now advertised in the local Press for caterers to run it.

Interested parties can view the site of the proposed caf at 10am on Friday by arrangement with manager Keith Barber. And strategic library manager for south Worcestershire Nigel Preedy said they expected it to attract a lot of interest.

"Hopefully, most of the time the library is open there'll be snacks and drinks available," he added.

"It'll be a nice relaxing atmosphere for people who are maybe spending time in the reference section and want a break or shoppers who just want a coffee."

Meanwhile, work is ploughing ahead on the scheme, which began last November.

It has seen a 600sq ft extension built at the rear, replacing the old 1940s building.

Roof beams are now in place and the exterior brickwork is being constructed, with the extension expected to be complete by autumn.

The whole library will then move into the new extension while the original building is redecorated and refurbished with new lighting, heaters, carpeting, furniture and shelving.

Mr Preedy said everything was going to plan, although they had slipped a week behind schedule because of complications with roof beams.

The extension will include a lift, quiet areas for reference and study and an internet area.

As well as the coffee shop, there will be more room for books, with three bays for reading and working. The exhibition facilities and local studies library will also return. Anyone interested in the caf can contact Tim Matthews on 01684 891764.