SWINDON'S first new library for nearly 20 years will open next week.

The North Swindon Library, at the Orbital Shopping Park, will be opened by Swindon mayor Stan Pajak on Tuesday at 4pm.

The building - paid for under an agreement drawn up when planning permission for the Asda Wal-Mart development was granted in 2000 - had remained empty until recently because the council had struggled to find the funds to kit the centre out with books, computers and staff.

While it was empty it became a target for vandals, who smashed windows and sprayed graffiti.

The library, staffed by a 15-strong team, will replace a mobile service, which has been serving residents in the Haydon Wick area.

The opening of a new youth centre in another part of the building has been delayed because of problems with the roof.

David Allen, libraries and heritage manager for Swindon Borough Council, said: "The new North Swin-don Library and the new Highworth Library opening in the summer underline the council's commitment to investing in new libraries for Swindon.

"They are not only new libraries, but libraries offering new services including free internet, e-mail, PC access, DVDs and CDs with listening posts, a read and relax area and a healthy living zone.

"These extra features are all part of a package to make libraries more appealing and more accessible to everyone in Swindon."

Councillor David Renard, (Con, Haydon Wick) said: "I am looking forward to seeing the opening of the North Swin-don Library.

"It is slightly overdue but I think with all the new schools being built in the area it will be well used."

Coun Ian Dobie (Con, Hay-don Wick) said: "I think many people in the area will appreciate this new cultural facility and I feel that many young people will enjoy its use too, particularly with the new IT facilities."

The library will serve the communities of Haydon Wick, Abbey Meads, and other northern Swindon housing developments.

More than 30,000 items will be available to loan. There will also be an exhibition space and children's area.

More than 20 personal computers are available all offering free Internet access.

It will also be the first Swin-don library to open on Sun-days.

There is no charge to join the library. New customers just need to bring identification showing their names and addresses in order to become a member. Existing library customers will be able to use their current library cards.

Swindon's new central library has essentially been given the go-head although no detailed plans about the £12 million facility have been unveiled.

It is hoped the building will be three times the size of the current central library located next to the town hall in prefabricated huts.