POOLE'S third community library has opened in the splendid surroundings of Upton Country Park.

Visitors to the harbourside park can now relax with a cup of tea and a good book after the community library set up in the tea rooms.

Opened in partnership with Poole Libraries, it can be used by all residents and visitors to the park. Opening times are the same as for the tea rooms, daily from 10.30am to 3.45pm.

The library offers a great selection of books to borrow and enjoy. Staff and volunteers at Upton Country Park have chosen a new collection of books for Poole Libraries, inspired by their interests and experiences in and around the park.

This includes books for children and adults, history, art, wildlife and gardening. The collection will be available at both Upton Country Park and Poole Central Library.

Cllr Xena Dion, Borough of Poole portfolio holder for local economy, culture and leisure said: "It's great to see another community library opening up.

"We hope that visitors to Upton Country Park take advantage of this wonderful free service. Visitors can browse the books available to borrow and enjoy the rest of the time walking in the woodland or relaxing in the beautiful botanic gardens."

Readers do not need to be a member of a Poole library to borrow a book and there will be no fees or charges for the service.

Community libraries have been set up to be run by volunteers after Poole Council decided to axe its mobile library service, which will be withdrawn towards the end of this year. The council says this will save £50,000 a year.

The vehicle will be permanently sited at Talbot Primary School, providing a community library for Wallisdown residents.

Poole's two other community libraries are at Bearwood Community Centre, open every Wednesday morning between 10.15am and 12.30pm, and at Bearwood Primary and Nursery School's community room, open Monday to Thursday between 3.30pm and 4.30pm.