Work is due to start on the modernisation in 2006

The library has already been awarded �31.5m by the government to remodel the building on William Brown Street.

The extra �16m will be used to renovate the Pictor, Hornby and Oak reading rooms and put more of the city's rare book and archive collection on display.

A total of 10,000 more books will be stocked, 250 computers installed and a new library made for children.

'Vote of confidence'

Joyce Little, head of libraries and information services in Liverpool, said the library will be "fit for the 21st century".

Councillor Warren Bradley, the city council's executive member for leisure and culture, said: "This is brilliant news for one of the oldest public libraries in Britain.

"It will enable us to transform it into one of the best libraries in the country while at the same time ensuring it's preserved for future generations.

"The extra money is a tremendous vote of confidence in the scheme from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

"It is clear that they understand the central role of the library in the culture of Liverpool."