Albury Council has set aside a fortnight for the changeover to the new library on the bottom floor of the Northpoint Tower, which is also nearing completion by Zauner Construction.

Books, shelving and display cabinets from the old library near Lavington Centro shopping centre will be transferred across for the official opening on July 12.

But one feature of the old building has already made the move.

Two leadlight features have been part of the old library since its opening in 1991 after local school teacher John Skillington was the winner of an art competition held at the time.

The art works were relocated nearly two months ago and have already been fitted into place.

The usable floor space will nearly double in size from 237 to 450 square metres in the new library, which will offer free wi-fi access and double the computers to 12 with internet and Microsoft Office software for community use.

Its other features include two meeting rooms, a storytime area capable of catering for two school classes, additional shelf space and an interactive story tree sculpture.

The facility is expected to attract up to 110,000 visitors each year, which is up on the average of between 80,000 and 90,000 people.

The Library Museum in central Albury has averaged 200,000 visitors since opening in 2007, but is on target for a spike to 240,000 this financial year.

The Lavington Library will also features the first customer service centre outside the Kiewa Street offices, which will open weekdays and Saturdays for residents to pay rates and register animals.

Albury mayor Alice Glachan said Lavington residents would be the big winners with a new library.

“Libraries are a vital community asset that promote lifelong learning and social interaction,” she said.

“This is a significant investment in delivering better services for the residents of Lavington that will deliver long-term benefits and strengthen the community as a whole.”

People needing to return books during the closure period will be able to use the after-hours chute at the old Lavington Library.

The council’s community and recreation director, James Jenkins, said an expression of interest period for the old library would start on July 30.

“The council’s intention is to attract a tenant or purchaser that can ultimately use the existing site to deliver economic and community benefits to Lavington,” he said.

“We’d like to see the existing building used as a commercial, retail or hospitality development that will create jobs and provide economic benefits to the Lavington CBD.”