almost nine months.

And, as promised, it has a brand-new look with a new elevator, entrance way and stairwell plus other decoration including a new paint job, wiring, carpeting, shelving and furniture.

"It's amazing that this all started with the donation of an elevator,'' said head librarian Grace Rawlins. "It must be the most expensive elevator ever.'' The elevator was made possible by help from an anonymous donor. When its installation began, workers found asbestos in the ceiling and the library had to be closed on February 14.

Works Minister C.V. (Jim) Woolridge promised the equivalent of "a brand-new building'' when the public grew impatient with the amount of time the facility was closed for.

And Library Committee chairperson Louise Jackson said the delay would be "worth the wait''. It was the first time the Library had closed its doors in 150 years.

Ms Rawlins said: `It is really a vast improvement over what we had before.

It's been a general upgrade of the building.

"First of all we've had an elevator installed and a new stairwell, we've had rewiring, we've had carpet put down, we've had some new furniture, shelving, study booths, painting.

"In addition we've had a new entryway so our entrance is now totally separate from the (Bermuda Historical Society) museum.'' The public has shown its appreciation of the new facility during yesterday's reopening, she continued.

"We have already had a gentleman in a wheelchair come in and use our new entrance as well as the elevator so we're really pleased. The staff is pleased.'' Ms Rawlins said she did not know how many people had come through the doors "but they started at 9 a.m. and it's been a steady stream all day''.

"A couple of people said they couldn't wait for us to open, thank God you're open, it's been a long time.'' And the top librarian appealed for people with books out to return them.

"If the public have any, could they please bring them back in. They won't be fined,'' she said.