Following a £700,000 refurbishment, the Sutton Central Library is open once more.

The library closed in November last year and was originally meant to re-open three months later.

That date proved a little a little eager, but now the time has finally come.

On May 17, the Mayor of Sutton, Jean Crossby, was on hand to welcome children from Robin Hood Junior School who attended a specially organised ‘fairytale theatre’ production of Alice in Wonderland.

“I am delighted to officially open the newly refurbished central library," she said.

"This is a wonderful new facility which gives people in Sutton a modern, vibrant and inspirational space which will serve them well for many years to come.

“I am particularly delighted to to see the mayoral chains of office on display at the Central Library for the first time as they are not generally available for the public to view.

"Incorporating heritage cases into the library will enable us to make much more use of the many wonderful artifacts we have in the borough.”

Upgrades to the library include a family history centre, a children’s library on the ground floor and new study spaces and quiet zones.

Madeline Barratt, head of libraries, heritage and arts called the refurbishment a labour of love.

“Sutton Central Library is the flagship site for the service and was badly in need of modernisation," she said.

"This is a significant investment by the council in the libraries, heritage and arts service and is a testament to the importance the council places on cultural services.”

“Feedback has been incredibly positive from adults and children alike.

"The modern design and new technology is drawing students into the library and our study spaces are regularly full.”