The facility will relocate from the Flexton to its new home in the old NatWest building before its opening day on February 25.

Excitement is building as Ottery’s new library is due to open its doors next month.

The relocation of the library from the Flexton to the old NatWest building will take place the week of February 20, with an opening day set for Saturday, February 25.

The former bank building has undergone refurbishment through a partnership by Ottery Town Council, Devon County Council and Libraries Unlimited.

The new library will provide better access for pushchairs and wheelchairs, and also be base for the town’s tourist information centre and new public toilets.

Ciara Eastell, chief executive of Libraries Unlimited said: “We are really pleased to have a set date for the relocation of Ottery St Mary Library. This is the first new library opened by Libraries Unlimited and is just one of several library relocations and improvements we have planned over the coming year. We are thrilled that the people of Ottery St Mary will soon benefit from the new facilities.

She continued: “As a charity, our aim is to deliver a modern and accessible library that is designed to meet the needs of its users. We have taken into consideration the feedback from the public consultation, and are confident that residents will be pleased with the end result and look forward to welcoming them to the new building.”

The Friends of Ottery Library [FOOL] have also helped to raise funds to contribute towards the new library furniture.

The last day of opening at the current library will be Saturday, February 18, to allow for the relocation.

DCC’s cabinet member with responsibility for libraries, Cllr Roger Croad, said: “I should like to congratulate Ottery St Mary Town Council, Libraries Unlimited and Ottery library Friends Group for their vision and enterprise in enhancing library provision for the residents of Ottery.

“Libraries Unlimited are a go-ahead independent charity which we helped set up in 2016 to provide the county’s library service. This new library in Ottery shows the potential of Libraries Unlimited to deliver new and innovative services across the county.”

Any loans will be extended so they will not be due back during the short closure period.

See more in this week’s Herald.