HASLEMERE library, due to be relocated in the Wey Centre following a £1 million refurbishment scheme, will be "as good as new" promised Surrey County Council this week.
At a meeting of its Waverley local committee last Friday, committee members unanimously supported the redevelopment of the Wey Centre, described by some opponents as "a poor quality and outdated 60s building".
The scheme was also condemned by Haslemere Society chairman Robert Serman who branded the centre "an indifferent site site next to an unsurfaced bomb-site looking car park in an indifferent building."
The work will begin when Age Concern moves into Haslewey next spring.
Although county councillors heard that it would be preferable to demolish the Wey Centre and rebuild, the meeting was told there "were insufficient resources for a new building".
There were warnings that delay could result in the funds, the proceeds of the sale of two properties, being lost if not used by next December.
A statement after the meeting said: "The likelihood of raising the significant additional funding required and developing and starting a new scheme within this timescale is remote, and the refurbishment is the only guarantee of re-using the assets in time and effectively."
County councillor for Haslemere Christine Stevens said:"After four attempts in the past 12 years to provide Haslemere with a new library, we finally have the window of opportunity, with the resources available for the refurbishment and Haslewey due to open in the spring.
"I recognise the tremendous support among the people and organisations of Haslemere for a new library and I am delighted we now have a practical opportunity to provide this."
The statement said:"The refurbishment is substantial, including new roof, windows, doors and interiors, so the building will in effect be 'good as new'."
It also said that the major advantage of the new library is that it will be on a single floor which will improve accessibility for all customers.
The space available will facilitate a less-congested counter and reception area than the current building, enable more stocks to be held and provide areas for the public to read or study, do their own research and use computers.
A statement following the meeting said that consultations in 1999 indicated a strong desire to safeguard and improve facilities for young people, and the proposals are intended to create a first-class environment for developmental work with young people, together with a base for youth workers to do outreach and detached work throughout the area.
Mrs Stevens concluded that after a visit to the current library last week to present reading skills certificates, "the looks on the children's faces brought home to me that this is not really about bricks and mortar, but about invaluable community services."