A US library has ordered the construction of a toilet for its premises - after being without bathroom facilities for 74 years.

Chiefs at the Roxbury Free Library in Vermont organised a fundraising campaign after patrons grew tired of being directed to a toilet at the Roxbury Union Congregational Church next door when nature called.

The library, which has other modern facilities including wireless internet access, will now be able to satisfy its visitors after the campaign raised $22,000. A Vermont Arts Council grant brought in a further $14,900.

"I used to say: 'We're the Wi-Fi library without a pot to p*** in'," library director Susan D'Amico told The AP.

Church deacon Claire Chomentowksi also confirmed that she is pleased with the new arrangement, adding that her bathroom's visitors often stayed for much longer than expected.

She said: "Every so often, we have to knock after an hour or so, and when the [bathroom] doors open, it's someone who's been reading a book."