No time to read the book? "Check out" an expert and chat about your topic of interest with him or her over coffee.

Library patrons looking for information at Surrey's futuristic new $30-million library in City Centre slated to open in September will be able to check out an expert, the same as a book.

Melanie Holden, deputy librarian with Surrey Public Library, says experts in various fields have offered to volunteer their services to the library as part the new "living library" concept.

Library users will be able to request an expert based on their topic of interest and library staff will try to match them up.

"We'll find them, bring them to the library and you can check them out and go have coffee with them," Holden explained.

Holden said the program exists in other cities, but it will be a first for Surrey.

"It's just a really great way for people to connect, for people to learn by talking to someone and asking questions," she said.

Holden said the library is looking for volunteers interested in sharing their expertise to sign up for the program.

Despite the popularity of ebooks and other electronic devices, Holden said the new library will be stocked with a large selection of old-fashioned books, roughly 60,000 volumes.

"Circulation is going up," she noted.

But there will be a strong emphasis on technology and the resources will include 80 computers.

As part of its more interactive concept, the new library will also offer writers workshops hosted by local writers.

As well, the City of Surrey has signed a lease with SFU that will see the university rent three classrooms on the library's fourth floor for continuing studies courses.

The plans include courses in English language, career transition, arts, history and culture, community and urban planning and others.

"It's more about people spaces and learning spaces," Holden said of the new library model.

mbabic@thenownewspaper.com