The date of the grand opening of a “state of the art” new library has been announced.

The library in 96 Shenley Road is set to open its doors to the public for the first time on November 18.

The new library, which will be across three floors, will feature books, talking books and DVDs to borrow, free wi-fi, public computers, study space for students and activities for children and young people.

A council spokesman said overall access to library services will increase, with an extra hour added to current opening hours. The library will close on or before 6pm every day but Thursday.

It will also run an express service Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings during which only the ground floor will be open.

During this time members of the public can use self service machines to issue and return books, borrow popular books and use the computers. All other services will be unavailable.

In order to prepare for the move, the current library in Elstree Way will close for the last time on November 9.

In the weeks before this date, readers will be able to borrow up to 12 items at a time and nothing will be due back until after the new library has opened.

Hertfordshire County Councillor Frances Button, who is responsible for libraries, said: “We have planned very carefully for a smooth transfer of library stock and services to the new site.

“This will minimise the transfer time and, therefore, any inconvenience to library users.”

She added: “The fantastic new state-of-the-art community building at 96 Shenley Road will be much more than a library.

“It will be home to a new look museum, youth services and community space for a host of events and activities for local people of all ages.”

However the opening hours of the library have been branded a “missed opportunity” by Borehamwood resident Paul Welsh.

He said: “The fact the library has only one late night opening day, unlike the current library, and is shut after 4pm on Saturday and closed all day Sunday is not good news for commuters or weekend visitors.

“This is a multimillion pound development which is designed to be a hub for the community.

"I understand there are cut backs, but if you are going to spend the money on building a facility like this, it should be exploited to its fullest potential. 

"It shoulldn't be left standing closed or barely open for much of the week.

“If you are not going to expand the hours it might have been better to use the money to upgrade the existing facilities.”