OXFORD's new temporary central library is set to open at the end of the month.

Oxfordshire County Council has moved it while work continues at the Central Library based in the Westgate Shopping Centre.

The central library closed on February 27 as part of the ongoing redevelopment work, with a smaller, temporary site due to open in Oxford Castle Quarter on March 29 at 9am.

It will offer books, audio books and DVD’s for adults and children, but will not offer internet access, reference information, newspapers, journals and music services due to space and facilities available.

The county council said these would instead be provided at other libraries in the area.

The library service’s Reference Online service and ebooks and eAudio lending services will also continue to be available and it will still be possible to renew online and through the new library application for smartphones.

The central library is due to reopen in its original building when the redevelopment of the Westgate finishes in October 2017.

The existing facade of the current building will be replaced to become part of the new curving wall forming the south side of Bonn Square.

Once complete, Oxford Central Library will feature a new entrance foyer, refurbished and extended children’s library and new feature windows with views over Bonn Square and Castle Street.

Councillor Lorraine Lindsay-Gale, county council Cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: "A lot of work has gone in to getting the new facility ready for use and we hope people will enjoy our new setting.

"Everybody in the library service is looking forward to making the most of their new home before we move back to our normal headquarters during 2017."