A NEW library could soon be opening in a shop unit in Newland Avenue.

Council chiefs say they are "confident" the service could be up and running in 2012 if suitable premises are found.

The authority is already in talks with building owners in the street and a number of partners, including the University of Hull.

Hull City Council says a large unit would be preferable to house a library on one floor and customer services on a second floor.

Councillor Terry Geraghty, the city council's portfolio holder for leisure and culture, said: "The council has the former Newland School in the street, but a shop front would be far more accessible to the public.

"The library on Chanterlands Avenue is a bit far away for many residents and the one on Beverley Road closed, so there is a big gap.

"A lot of the residents, and of course the student population, would want to use a library in Newland."

Cllr Geraghty says the council is looking for a "sizeable" shop and is in talks with building owners, but would not disclose where on the street the unit they are considering is.

Opening a library in a shop unit is nothing new in west Hull.

The Avenues library in Chanterlands Avenue opened up in a former grocery store.

The scheme received a lot of criticism at the time, but Cllr Geraghty says it is now one of the most successful libraries in the city.

He said: "A purpose-built library would cost far more than leasing or buying a shop unit.

"Purpose-built ones are usually further out of town, so not as accessible.

"It is impossible to say at the moment how much the library will cost – we haven't got to the stage of talking staffing numbers etc yet – but we will be putting this idea to the public in the New Year, to judge what sorts of things they would like to see in the library."

As the Avenues has residents from many different countries as well as foreign students who attend the university, it is thought a number of books will be offered in languages other than English.

The venue could also host events similar to those already held at the Avenues Library, such as Halloween craft days, book clubs, talks and meetings.

Keith Brown, who lives off Newland Avenue and runs the Rosebery Community Group, said he is in favour of the scheme.

He said: "I think it is a brilliant idea – a lot of elderly residents and students will use a library in Newland Avenue.

"But I think it would be more cost-effective to have it in the Newland School building, as the council has that anyway.

"As a taxpayer, the fact they aren't considering that building concerns me."

Have you got a story for the Avenues? Call Emma Wright on 01482 315154.