grand ribbon-cutting ceremony.

And head librarian Grace Rawlins expressed her pleasure with the finished product.

Perhaps the most notable features are the elevator and the front door which can be opened electronically by the push of a button.

The door is designed to benefit both the physically challenged as well as those whose hands are full.

Both features -- aimed at making the library more accessible -- are dedicated to the late Margaret Carter, founder of the Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association (BPSA).

Also on hand for the celebration were the Minister of Cultural & Community Affairs Yvette Swan and various BPSA representatives.

Sen. Swan, who spearheaded the renovations, said: "When I first approached the Ministry about renovating the library they thought it was the biggest joke.

"To everybody else the library was just the library -- a place you went to borrow books and nothing more.'' She added: "They laughed at the idea, but I laughed last and I have laughed the best. I am really pleased with the improvements made over the past two years.'' Ronald Lightbourne of the BPSA presented a plaque to the library in recognition of library officials' attempts to accommodate the physically challenged.