A new state-of-the-art library opened its doors on Monday 17. It will offers users a full range of traditional library services as well as many other unique features.

Meadowbank Library in Polmont is the first library to be built completely from scratch and all of its stock such as books, dvds, cds and magazines is new.

The £1.1m library features distinct areas for children, young people and adults with attractive features for all age groups.

Teenagers can relax with the latest fiction or graphic novels or try specially designed 'gaming' chairs as they play the latest games on PlayStation 3 or Wii. CD listening posts have also been installed.

Younger children will also benefit from the wide range of children's; story books as well as books that will help them with their school work. Librarians are also planning a number of events that are suited for younger children of different ages.

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A full range of books across all genres has been stocked available in different formats - books area available in large print and in cd, tape and mp3 formats.

A soft seating area has been installed where users can enjoy tea and coffee as they browse the daily newspapers and catch up with news on tv.

As with all other Falkirk Council libraries, a free wireless computer network is available where users can hook up their laptops and surf the internet. A dedicated computer suite will also be available.

Dr Alex Waddell, Convener of Education and Leisure said: "Meadowbank library will offer the best for users and has been designed to accommodate many different requirements that visitors have.

"The facilities themselves are fantastic and it is very pleasing to note that this is a first for the Braes area. We are confident that the local community will fully support its use and will see how valuable a resource their library can be.

"The use of libraries is changing in modern society and by incorporating new and innovative features such as the ones found in Meadowbank, we can continue to ensure our communities have the best possible services for many years to come."

The new library will have extended opening hours on three of the six days each it is open. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays the library will be open from 9:30am until 8pm. On Wednesday, Fridays the library will close at 5pm and on Saturdays, 5pm.

(GK/JM)