A library will close down while the site is re-developed to make way for a new library, affordable housing, toilets and a community hall.

A five storey block could replace West Barnes Library, with temporary facilities for book-lovers elsewhere while building work is completed.

A new library would be built on the same site in Station Road, New Malden, and could feature improved facilities, larger floor space, public toilets and a community hall.

The council hopes the site, which is owns, will include 40 per cent affordable housing and will be a maximum of five storeys high.

The plot will be sold to a developer.

Councillor Nick Draper said: "The idea is we are creating a library service suitable for the long term future.

"The current library is at the end of its life."

The latest stage of consultation will be launched on Friday, September 12, where people are invited to submit their views on facilities they would like to see at the library.

It is the second in a five stage process which was launched in 2011 with an initial consultation. This latest stage seeks to get more detailed feedback from the community on what they would like to see there.

A developer will be sought between January and October next year and if planning permission is approved by Merton Council, building work is scheduled to begin between February 2016 and August 2017.

A new library is scheduled to open in 2017, if all goes to plan. Temporary facilities will be available while work is done, but in a bid to encourage more people through the doors of their local facility, pop-up libraries will spring up across the borough.

At the end of this month there will be one in the Piazza in Wimbledon, in October there will be one in Centre Court Shopping Centre and South Mitcham Community Centre will host a pop-up library in November.

The current stage of consultation will end on Friday, October 24. To complete a survey, visit the website.