Dartford Central Library will close its doors next week to undergo a £650,000 makeover.

The restoration of the library, in celebration of its 100th year, will be inspired by original paints, with new, parquet-style flooring and spaces dedicated to quiet study and art displays.

Public facilities will also be improved with the creation of a meeting room, while new furniture and historic local pictures will add to the fresh interior.

This follows a six-week public consultation on the proposed refurbishment which found support for glorifying its heritage and integrating it with Dartford Museum next door.

However, some did express concerns, including the replacement of bookshelves with free standing furniture and worries about the “Good Day Programme”, which would teach independent living skills, including cooking classes, within the library.

Leader of Dartford council Cllr Jeremy Kite (Con) said: “I’m very pleased with the new plans and it is to the credit of Kent County Council that they listened to the concerns that we and many local people expressed about the original proposals."

"Dartford Library deserves to be loved for the wonderful old building it is”- Jeremy Kite, Councillor

Original doorways connecting the library to the Dartford Borough Museum will be opened for the first time in decades to allow users to flow through the collections of artwork in both buildings.

Mike Hill, KCC cabinet member for community services, said: “We have listened to the local community and are investing in this iconic building in the centre of Dartford to ensure that we conserve it and make it attractive and welcoming to the next generation of library users and local community groups.”

While the library is closed, the Acacia Sports Hall on the High Street will offer a full library service, including access to public computers, books, local history materials, children’s activities and the registration of births and deaths.

The temporary library will have identical opening hours to the Dartford Central Library and will be open to the public from Monday, July 11.