It remains unclear when a library can reopen as significant work is still needed after a wide-ranging damage.

Herts Fire and Rescue were called to reports of a blaze at Rickmansworth Library, in the town's high street, at around 6.12am on April 18.

Three fire engines were sent to the scene to find smoke rising from the building before firefighters entered to extinguish the source of the flames.

The damage forced the library to shut until further notice and an update shared this week confirmed it is still unclear when it can reopen.

“The fire began in the workroom and although it did not spread to the public areas, the whole library has been affected and there is a significant amount of work to be carried out before the library can reopen,” the message added.

Necessary work includes rewiring, clearing, and replacing the staff work areas, as well as cleaning all the books, furniture, shelving, and carpets of soot and ash.

Books borrowed from the closed library can be returned at any Hertfordshire library, including Croxley Green, but the loan period for any book due back at Rickmansworth from April 18 has been extended.