Otley'S past and future collided as the town celebrated the opening of its £1.1 million new library and tourist information centre.

Young pupils from The Whartons Primary School became the first people to read aloud in the Nelson Street building when they took part in the official opening ceremony last Friday.

With a strikingly modern, curving roof and filled with space and light, the library certainly cuts a fine 21st century architectural figure. But a presentation of a copy of an historical book by one of Otley's most famous sons, Thomas Chippendale, should also ensure the facility retains a strong link with the past.

Bell man Paddy Steval shook the pre-opening hush to announce that Head of Leeds Library and Information Services, Catherine Blanshard, was about to speak.

She said: "I'm very honoured and so excited to be the first speaker today because this has been an ambition of all of us in the library service and we're extremely excited to start this New Year with such an amazing building.

"This is definitely what libraries are about nowadays, it's a great addition to our portfolio. I hope this is going to make what is going to be a brilliant 2006 for all of us."

The invited guests listened respectfully as six pupils from The Whartons read from a children's story.

Pat Lofthouse, on behalf of the Chippendale Society, then presented the library with a copy of the cabinet maker's The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker's Director.

She said: "The late councillor Phil Coyne (a former Otley mayor) was our honorary librarian and he suggested that on the 250th anniversary of Chippendale's first production of his Director we should produce a faithful copy. I hope you will all take the opportunity to take a look at this beautiful book."

Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Andrew Carter, cutting the ribbon to declare the library officially open, said: "This opening underlines two things. The first is the city council's commitment to an improving and expanding library service, the second its commitment to all the areas of Leeds.

"This is much more than just a library and I think libraries play a hugely important part in the lives of the people who live in the communities which make up Leeds.

"I'm sure Phil Coyne would have been delighted to be here today to see the presentation of the book and the opening of this brilliant new library."

Coun Carter paid particular tribute to the library staff.

"I know for many years there were complaints about the inadequacies of the old library," he said, "and they have had to put up with them. This is a good day for Otley and the library service!"

The reaction from guests was almost universally favourable.

Town Councillor Millie Stott said: "It looks great and we've waited long enough for it, it must be going on four years! And the discussions about a new library for Otley have been going on since the 1960s!"

Town and ward Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) said: "All things come to those who wait, and it looks excellent!

"It's taken a long time, but I'm sure that the new library and TIC will provide Otley residents and visitors with a valuable community resource for many years to come."

Councillor Ryk Downes said: "It's marvellous, much better than the last one and they've extended the opening hours even more than they were originally going to."

Councillor Graham Kirkland (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: "The new building fully complies with legislation on access for disabled people, meaning that everyone in the community can use this resource.

"The building also houses new public toilets, which Otley doesn't have enough of."

The opening was followed by a weekend's worth of fun events to introduce the public to the new building.