Work should start on the long-awaited new Brighton and Hove central library next year, with the building open by the end of 2002.

The council says it hopes to choose a consortium and sign a contract at the end of the year.

It is busy evaluating two rival bids for the site in Jubilee Street. The scheme for the site also includes plans for housing and a civic square.

The council says the temporary library at Vantage Point in Preston Circus will be there for about six months longer than originally anticipated.

This means an extension of the lease will have to be negotiated.

The council's annual library plan says: "The provision of a new central library presents an opportunity to provide state-of-the-art services to all members of the community."

Readers will have better access to a wider range of books and there will be a new technology centre, public meeting and teaching rooms, an open learning and literacy centre, a young people's library and out-of-school study centre, and a business information centre.

A special collections area will ensure the library's rich treasures can be enjoyed by more people.

Principal librarian Amanda Saville said the new library and computer developments were the main factors in shaping the future of the library service.

She added that libraries were investing heavily in their more traditional roles of encouraging reading and having high-quality stock.

The council is also consulting over whether opening hours should be changed.