Work begins on Billingham's new £2.7m library
Work has begun on a £2.7m library and customer service centre on the site of a former art gallery in Teesside.
The building, in Billingham, will have self-service technology and is due to open in the winter of 2015.
Stockton Council said it hoped it would increase footfall into the town centre.
Councillor Mike Smith, cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: "The existing customer service centres in Stockton and Thornaby central libraries are hugely popular."
He added: "I'm sure this new customer service centre will make a real difference to people living in Billingham.
"It will save them time as they can access all of the facilities they need under one roof."