The Bermuda National Library has reopened more than a year after it was shut due a mould and asbestos problem.

Culture Minister Neletha Butterfield formally opened the upper level of the library yesterday and thanked those who helped to make it happen.

She said: "I am very pleased to see the fine work that has been done, and I expect that library patrons will appreciate the enhancements that have been made to improve the reading and learning experience.

"The Bermuda National Library is an important institution that allows us to learn, imagine, interact, and be informed. Although it was not an easy task to store and clean the thousands of books and other materials in the library holdings to facilitate the repair work, the job has been completed and the Bermuda National Library is once again open for business."

Bermuda Water Consultants, TES Ltd., Assured Quality Cleaning Ltd., Ace Installers, GSC Ltd., Fast Forward Freights and the Ministry of Works and Engineering all helped to revamp the library for its new opening.