HUNTINGDONSHIRE S archivists are in seventh heaven as they start to move around a million records of the historic county into their new home in Huntingdon s Princes Street. With around one-third of the documents already installed in their new climate-co

HUNTINGDONSHIRE'S archivists are "in seventh heaven" as they start to move around a million records of the historic county into their new home in Huntingdon's Princes Street.

With around one-third of the documents already installed in their new climate-conditioned home in the town's new �4.6million library, librarians have begun the task of moving 30,000 books to fill the shelves.

Before they did so, around 500 people turned up at the building for a sneak preview at a special open day last Saturday -surprising Cambridgeshire County Council staff with the scale of public interest.

"We were really chuffed," said a spokesman. "They even included people who had wanted the old library retained, but who were really impressed by the new building."

Lesley Noblett, CCC's head of libraries, archives and information, told The Hunts Post: "I was there for the morning and I wished I'd been able to stay all day. It was the best fun I've had at work for a long time. People were so complimentary and interested. It was just great."

In spite of having put up posters to advertise the open day and handing out leaflets in the nearby Waitrose supermarket, librarians were surprised by the level of interest, she said.

"People were so positive about the quality of the building and commented on how light and airy it is," she enthused.

"And the archivists are in seventh heaven with the new facilities." They are moving from unsuitable and inaccessible premises in Grammar School Walk.

"From now on it's going to be cluttered up with removal men until the opening day on June 11. We're expecting that to be a very busy first day," Ms Noblett added.

Not only will customers have the 30,000 books being transferred from the temporary library in Dryden House, near the police station, but the county council is spending an additional �140,000 on new books.