A HAMPSHIRE library is to undergo a new makeover – and will even be able to host wedding ceremonies.

Romsey Library is benefitting from a cash boost by Hampshire County Council as part of its plans to invest £500,000 a year into libraries and technology buildings.

Closing today (March 19) for its refurbishment work, it will benefit from new self-serve kiosks, new carpets and a redesigned information point will also be installed.

One addition to the building will also be a new room to host civil wedding ceremonies, which will also be available for community hire.

Romsey Town Hall will also continue to host ceremonies, but the move comes as the council seeks to make the most of the library building.

Councillor Andrew Gibson, executive member for culture, recreation and countryside, said: "This is a really exciting time for Romsey Library as the work will give it a fresh modern feel, as well as open it up to new members of the community, thanks to a multi-functional meeting room.

"It will be our second library, after Petersfield, where couples can say 'I do'.

"This is another example of our investment in the library service to meet the changing demands of our library customers."

The library will be shut for two weeks from today (March 19), and will reopen on April 9.

Romsey town centre manager Mark Edgerley said: "The HCC investment in Romsey Library is very welcome, our town library is important for many reasons.

"In addition to its traditional role of a place to borrow books, many events are held there and the excellent library staff always make sure the venue participates in our cross-town events, such as the Romsey Festival, Beggars Fair, yarn bombing and the Lantern Parade.

"Perhaps the library's most important role is twofold as a place of learning for all ages and a safe warm environment for residents to socialise with others."

The refurbishment follows the £360,000 investment into Totton library, which is currently closed for its work.

During the Romsey closure, customers can borrow up to 30 books and will not be subject to fines or charges, with the other libraries at Chandler's Ford and North Baddesley open as usual.