The remaining £1.9m needed to complete the refurbishment will be funded by North Yorkshire County Council.

The revamp will include a fundamental internal refurbishment of the existing building which will create more space for library services and will include comfortable meeting rooms, a cyber café and a one-stop-shop for council services.

County Coun Chris Metcalfe, executive member for adult and community services said: "As well as a superb new library facility, this aims to be a groundbreaking project based on services delivered out of central Harrogate.

"It will be achieved by working closely with the local voluntary and community sectors to develop services such as health promotion, adult learning and volunteering opportunities for which we know there is a high demand."

It's hoped that work on the project will begin in October this year. It is expected to take just over two years to complete. Arrangements are being made for a temporary library service to be offered from alternative premises while the work is carried out.