A library will close its doors for a week to allow a major refurbishment programme to be completed.

Bexhill Library, in Western Road, will be closed to the public from Monday, April 8 to Tuesday, April 16 to ensure building works including the removal of steel props and repairs to the flooring and ceiling tiles can be completed as safely and quickly as possible.

The first floor of the library has been completely redecorated, new lighting and furniture installed and some interior walls removed to create a bright, open space, completing the second phase of an East Sussex County Council programme which saw the ground floor refurbished in 2008.

Meanwhile, Wi-Fi Internet access will be available throughout the library for the first time, while new laptop points and self-service units have also been installed.

Irene Campbell, the county council’s assistant director of community and customer services, said: “We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused by the closure and ask them to bear with us while the work is completed.

“We hope our customers will be pleased by the result of the refurbishment, which will provide a lighter, more open-plan feel and an improved environment for people to read, study, access the Internet or explore our local studies collection.”

Loan periods for all items have been extended until after the library fully reopens on Wednesday, April 17. During the closure period, a full range of services is available at neighbouring libraries in Hastings and Eastbourne.

For information about libraries across East Sussex, including opening times, see Libraries.