BOOKWORMS in Gillingham are being warned of limited services and a closure during building works in the coming weeks.

The library, in Chantry Fields, will be offering a limited service from June 23 to 27 and will be closed from July 14 to 18, before re-opening on Saturday, July 19.

Dorset Council said the closure will allow essential building work to be carried out, to prepare for the installation of new technology which will allow library members to use library facilities beyond staffed opening hours.

During the works in June, the foyer will be open for people to return items, collect reservations, and order or renew books.

Before the library closure, customers can borrow up to 20 books, and loan periods will be extended to ensure no returns are due while the library is closed.

People can also visit other libraries, in Sturminster Newton and Shaftesbury, where they can borrow and return books as well as use the facilities.

The 24/7 online library is also available, offering e-books, e-magazines and e-newspapers, as well as allowing people to view their accounts and find information about other services.

Work at Gillingham Library has been funded by Arts Council England as part of a scheme to launch ‘Extended Access’ at four Dorset libraries: Verwood, Sturminster Newton, Gillingham and Sherborne.

Cllr Ryan Hope, portfolio holder for customer, culture and community engagement at Dorset Council, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to improve the facilities for our customers at Gillingham Library thanks to funding from Arts Council England.

“We know the residents will benefit significantly from the investment and expansion of opening times once the work has been completed.”