THE public are being asked to choose their favourite books to be placed in an eye-catching display case in Melksham Library as part of a novel project.

Artist Anita Andrews, from Colerne, has created a special bookcase out of a Victorian cupboard which she has named The Tabernacle and decorated it inside with mosaic, beads and mirrors.

The side panels display birds, butterflies and the county bird – the Great Bustard – and Miss Andrews has also crafted a John Milton quote from 1644 out of mosaic on the back of the tabernacle.

Melksham Library users can suggest their favourite books to go on display in the case and eventually it will tour around other libraries in the county.

The centrepiece has been funded by Arts Council England as part of a project in Wiltshire called Creative Libraries which was awarded £100,000 by the National Lottery.

Miss Andrews said: “My aim was to make an artwork that could be used by the library service to encourage visitors to think about the importance of books in their lives and our culture.

“I made The Tabernacle using decorative art techniques, especially mosaic which I specialise in.”

Cabinet member for libraries Jonathon Seed said: “This is a beautiful piece of art, unique for Wiltshire, which will be in continuous use as people suggest their favourite reads which can be placed on display.

“This is a fine example of how the funding we have will create a permanent treasure which helps bring books to life.”