LAYTON Library will re-open its doors on Monday after a four month £350,000 revamp.

The extended library now has more books, improved access for disabled people, free internet access and DVD, video and CD collections.

Listening posts will let borrowers sample CDs before they take them out, and the library also has a 42in plasma screen which can be used for activities such as viewing information DVDs.

Opening hours have also been extended to more than 40 hours a week, with more evening openings until 7pm, Blackpool Borough Council said.

"The refurbished Layton Library is part of the Blackpool Council's Library Development Plan, which is aiming to provide dynamic, high quality, customer focused library services that are fit for the 21st century with a range of services appealing to all age groups," added a council spokeswoman.

The £3 million Library Development Plan involves the creation of 'a range of new super libraries for the town' alongside community libraries including Anchorsholme, Boundary, Clifton, Layton and Revoe, she said. The plan is being funded by various sources, including the European Regional Development fund.

The Layton re-opening follows on from the launch of Boundary Library at Blackpool City Learning System, Grange Park, the first new library to be opening in the borough in more than 40 years.

Councillor David Owen, the council's portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said: "Layton Library has successfully re-invented itself as a library that fits in with modern life and will be a credit to the local community.

"We want to encourage new generations of library users, and Layton is the first of many exciting developments earmarked for the town.