Lewes Library Friends hope to raise �70,000 for the library

The library is being built in Lewes by East Sussex County Council to provide a modern, state-of-the art facility for the community.

More than �53,000 has been raised by Lewes Library Friends for extra equipment over and above what is being provided by the council.

A celebration of the start of the work, which is due to be completed in July 2005, is to take place on Friday.

'Most outstanding'

Councillor Meg Stroude, council member for libraries, and Joy Preston, from Lewes Library Friends, are to attend the opening.

Mrs Preston said: "With the start of the building itself, our generous donors can see their money is about to be put to good, practical use.

"It will make a real contribution towards the most outstanding new library in the county for 50 years."

The Friends hope to raise a total of �70,000 for equipment and to maintain the facility.

The library is being built on a site just off Friars Walk.