Conservative Councillor David Renard pictured outside the new North Swindon library.
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, May 13th 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."
Councillor Ian Dobie (Con, Haydon 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 Swindon library to open on Sundays.
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.
Councillor Justin Tomlinson (Con, Abbey Meads) said: "This is a fantastic addition to the facilities available for the Northern Sector."
"The additional services, such as the PC's with free internet access, and the DVD's, PS2 games etc which are available to loan and Sunday opening will be a real benefit to the local community. The Conservative group is committed to supporting these valuable local resources, and we very much hope it attracts a large number of users who can enjoy this excellent facility."