The Bermuda National Library is to open this autumn, nearly a year after it was closed to remove mould and asbestos.

The second floor of the Adult Library on Queen Street was shut last May following a sickout by eight employees with longstanding complaints about potential health risks.

Culture and Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler apologised for the delay in reopening, but insisted work is "proceeding well".

"The mould remediation and asbestos abatement of the building have been completed," he said. "At this time, new air-conditioning units are being installed for both the upper and lower levels of the library.

"The replacement of these units was necessary, as they were a major source of mould within the library facility."

He continued: "We apologise for the delay for the opening of the library but due to a set of unfortunate circumstances we are very disappointed that the library is not scheduled to open until the fall of 2009."

A contractor is working quickly to get the building ready for public use, he added.

"On completion of the installation of [the air conditioning] units, the upper level will be painted, recarpeted and the shelving reinstalled. At that time, library staff can begin the process of replacing the cleaned books on the shelves."

Mr. Butler warned that certain books would be unavailable as they are taken away for cleaning.

"Now that the cleaning of the books has begun, there will be Bermuda materials that will not be readily available," he stated. "We request that those persons wishing to use Bermuda materials please complete the 'Closed Collection Request Form' and a staff member will contact you within 24 hours.

"We wish to thank you for your continued patience and ask that you bear with us while work is completed to make the environment within the library safe for you and us."

Minister Butler thanked the workers involved in the project for their efforts.