WINCHESTER Discovery Centre is looking like it will become a big hit with the public, with thousands of visitors in its first few days.

More than 11,000 people have looked around since its £7 million revamp following a two-year closure.

The county council has been delighted by the interest shown by the public to the new building which combines the lending and reference libraries with exhibition spaces and a café.

On its first day, on November 27, 2,680 people visited, a 180 per cent increase on a typical day in November 2005 when combining figures of the two former libraries.

A total of 90 adults and 37 children also joined the library.

The opening weekend saw visits by more than 3,100 people, including Sunday opening, the first time for a Winchester library.

Councillor Ken Thornber, council leader, said: "The people of Winchester have long deserved a super library and now that long held desire is being met and with it we have delivered the promise of my predecessor.

"The Discovery Centre is a place welcoming to all - there is something in this building for everyone. The choices seem almost endless."

Councillor Margaret Snaith, executive member for recreation and heritage, said: "I am thrilled to see that residents of Winchester are embracing their new Discovery Centre with open arms. Over 10,350 items have been borrowed since the opening, this combined with the wonderful comments we have received, is an extremely encouraging start."

The full admission figures are: November 27, 2,687; Nov 28, 1,727; Nov 29, 1,780; Nov 30, 1,777; December 1, 2,284; Dec 2, 822.

The breakdown for types of issues: adult fiction, 2,704; adult non-fiction, 2,274; adult spoken word, 237; CD-ROM, 3; children's spoken word, 137; DVD/videos, 552, games, 49; sound recordings, 410; children's fiction, 3,486; children's non-fiction, 504.

Total, 10,356.