MICKLEFIELD Library closed its doors today to begin work on a nine month, £700,000 redevelopment plan.

The library, which was built in the 1950s in Micklefield Road, High Wycombe, will be demolished to make way for a two storey building filled with new books, computers and educational facilities.

The plan was drawn up after staff won a £1.4 million grant from the Big Lottery Fund, a group set up by the Government to redistribute money from the National Lottery.

Burnham and Bourne End libraries also received part of the £1.4 million.

When Micklefield Library reopens in September new features will include a computer bank, DVD collection and a garden at the rear for nature and art projects.

Upstairs will be a training centre where adults and children can receive career advice and training in skills such as reading and maths.

Nicola Davies, who runs the library, said: “The library has been great for the community.

“Kids who would never have used books have come in here and found a real interest.”