WEST Devon's newest library opened to the public last week, bringing the latest in library technology, stock and ease of use to the people of Princetown.

The library stocks a new bestseller collection and a new range of DVDs alongside the regular books, audio books and DVDs.

There is a comfortable area with sofas and chairs for reading and browsing, a chill out area for young people, and cushions for smaller children to sit and share stories. The library will also have four computers for visitors to use.

Councillor Alan Hosking, Devon County Councillor for Yelverton rural, said: 'This is another exciting stage in the development of Princetown, bringing a modern library with helpful technology to the benefit of all the people, young and old.

'It will complement the facilities provided by the new community centre and confirm the county council's policy of investment in the future of Princetown.'

Executive member for culture, Cllr Sheila Hobden, said: 'The new Princetown Library will also be one of the first libraries in Devon to benefit from self service technology.

'This technology frees library staff from routine work behind desks, enabling them to help people choose their books, find information and, generally, get the most out of what the library has to offer.'

The old library in Princetown, based at Claremont House in Tavistock Road, closed at the end of last week. The new library at the new Princetown Village Centre took 12 months to develop and was funded by the High Moorland Community Action Group with money from a variety of sources including Devon County Council, the Duchy of Cornwall and the Lottery Fund.

The opening hours in the new library have now been extended from eight to 16.5 hours.