A LIBRARY that has served Oxfordshire for nearly 50 years officially reopened its doors following a major update for the 21st century.

Though the revamped Oxfordshire County Library, found in the Westgate Centre, has been up and running since December, the official opening ceremony was held yesterday.

His Dark Materials author Phillip Pullman attended the ceremony last night, and spoke of his delight at the new facilities.

He said: “I’m very impressed by what I’ve seen. I knew the old library very well and used to use it regularly and it’s now looking absolutely splendid.

“They’ve really done a wonderful job.

“We love libraries – they’re so important to all of us – and this is a very good library. I’m not surprised it’s so well used.

Libraries Minister Michael Ellis MP also attended the opening of the library – which has picked up more than 2,000 members since it re-opened its doors.

Oxfordshire county councillor Lorraine Lindsay-Gale, the cabinet member for property, cultural and community services, emphasised the role the library would play in terms of access to council services.

Speaking at the event, she said: “We want our libraries to be focal points for the people they serve, bringing people together and helping to cement a true sense of place.

“We are here to celebrate this library and the different ways in which we can use this space. It’s now a modern library truly at the heart of our city. For the county council, it provides an important front door to information and support across a wide range of council services.”

The updated £6m Oxfordshire County Library holds half a million books.