THE BOROUGH'S oldest library is due to be shut for three months for refurbishment work.

Gants Hill library in Cranbrook Road, is set to be closed from late December while parts of it are restored and brought up to date.

The scheme will include the cleaning and repair of some of the 1930's building's most prominent art deco features - including its windows and ceiling.

The work - which is due to begin in early January - will also involve the creation of more 'flexible' public spaces inside the building.

The public will get the chance to see the plans for the library at a public meeting on Tuesday, December 8.

A council spokeswoman said: "Gants Hill Library is set to benefit from extensive refurbishment works to repair original features and ensure the building is restored for future generations of library users.

"All of the works will be sympathetic to the building’s 1930s origins, with changes being discussed with the borough’s conversation officer.

"The new layout will include eight additional public internet computers, more study spaces and wifi access in the reading room, a new theme for the relocated children’s library and a new teen area for older children and teenagers.

"The library will be closing for the refurbishment works in late December and will take approximately three months to complete."