Angus Council has commissioned the design of new issue desk for Montrose Library, to meet modern requirements relating to computerised book systems and customer accessibility.

The desk will be sited close to where the first desk was positioned when the library first opened in the early years of the 20th century. Panels from this original desk are to be retained in the library and reused to create a seated reading and display area.

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In 1978 Montrose Library was refurbished for the first time since it was opened as the town's first public library in 1905 by Andrew Carnegie.

Panels dividing the ground floor into several rooms were opened up and the whole building was made much more user-friendly. At that time, a new issue desk was constructed using wooden panels from the original desk in order to keep them in the building and to provide continuity with the past.

Since then, however, computerized book issue systems have become the norm, and accessibility legislation has meant that the desk no longer meets today's requirements.

Plans for the new issue desk and surrounding area are now exhibited in the library for the public's interest.

(GK/JM)