Sittingbourne Library is closing for nine weeks.

The library, in Central Avenue, will shut its doors to the public on Thursday January 22 at 8pm and reopen on March 25.

It is to allow work to be carried out on a leaking roof, partly replacement and partly repairs.

A new ceiling and a new lighting system are to be installed as well as new fire and smoke alarms.

The total value of the contract is £136,000.

Kent County Council will also take advantage of the closure to carry out some additional internal painting and decorating.

The money is being spent on the building despite the fact it is earmarked in the town centre’s regeneration plans.

A KCC spokesman said: “Although the library is included in the Spirit of Sittingbourne development, the library is included in Phase 2, for which there is no firm date but which is certainly some years away.

“In any event, readers will be aware of the various changes and delays that have occurred to the scheme over the past few years, and KCC feels we now need to push ahead with work on the building’s most urgently required repairs.

“A leaking roof is clearly not ideal for a library and residents and our own staff need and deserve better facilities.”

Temporary arrangements are being made for the registration of births and deaths at the Sittingbourne Register Office, known as Milton Place, which is based in the Avenue of Remembrance.

Users are reminded they can borrow up to 30 books at a time, and that any literature checked out during the closure can be kept for a longer period without incurring a fine.

Customers can visit other branches.

The nearest is London Road, Teynham, with others in Faversham, Boughton, Sheerness, Minster and Queenborough.

For more details, call 03000 413131 or email sittingbournelibrary@kent.gov.uk

Alternatively, visit www.kent.gov.uk/libraries