BLACKPOOL'S first new major public library in 90 years opens next month - but four small local libraries will close to make way for it.

Palatine Library and Learning Centre, St Annes Road, opens its doors on Monday, October 18, offering 30,000 books and more than 30 computers in a in a two-storey, 750m metre building.

But Hawes Side, Marton and South Shore libraries will close on Saturday, October 9, so staff can begin work at the new site. Highfield Library will close its doors on Saturday, October 16.

Cllr David Owen, Blackpool Council's portfolio holder responsible for libraries said: "We are confident that residents will welcome this investment.

"In Layton, where we have already extended both the building and the opening hours, library usage is already 69 per cent up on last year.

"Today's libraries are a far cry from the traditional view.

And as if to prove it Palatine Library will even have a 'breakout area' where drinks may be purchased and is to be nominated for a Civic Trust award as an innovative building."

The new library will be open six days a week with late opening until 7pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Around £3 million is being invested as part of a controversial overhaul of Blackpool's library services.

A larger library is planned for Bispham next year and a new central library is pencilled in for 2007/08 as part of the resort's masterplan.

However, the overhaul will see the closure of five local libraries in total, including Claremont library.