Shirley'S cutting edge new library is more "trendy bookshop" than stuffy institution, according to South-ampton City Council bosses.

The £1m revamped library is due to open on Saturday with story-telling, workshops and art demonstrations - and even a visit from cartoon favourite Scooby Doo.

The new-look facility, in Redcar Road, has been upgraded as part of the overhaul of Shirley Precinct.

The library boasts a 42in plasma TV screen, comfy seating areas, public Internet access, e-mailing terminals, quick book drop-off points and bookshop-style displays.

It has meeting rooms and a link to the new Shirley Housing Office.

Business chiefs and members of the public can even hire the library for functions, out of normal opening hours.

A Southampton City Council spokesman said: "Overall, Shirley Library now boasts a light and airy atmosphere more akin to a trendy bookshop - but regulars will be pleased to know they will receive the same excellent service."

The re-opening will be marked by a day of activities and special events, beginning at 10am.

Crime-fighting hound ScoobyDoo, starring at his own stage show at The Mayflower theatre in April, will be dropping in.

Youngsters can stamp their mark on a quirky new bookshelf in the shape of an ocean liner in the special children's library.

There will be story-telling, book workshops and arts demonstrations throughout the day.

Leisure boss Cllr Peter Wakeford told the Daily Echo: "This is a service Southampton can be proud of.

"It is very much in line with the new Discovery Centres being launched in Hampshire, showing that libraries can move with the times and respond to the needs of a variety of customers.

"I hope that the leaps and bounds made in Shirley can be echoed at libraries across the city."