There was fun for all the family with lots of activities and roving performers in the library garden including The Blurbs on an outdoor performance stage and Team and Lifon Henderson from the Bong Bong Hat Band entertaining the crowds by juggling on stilts.

Mr Ryan, mayor Barry Lyons and councillor Rod Fyffe were also on hand to cut the ribbon.

Mr Ryan said he was keen to congratulate everyone who had been involved.

“It is a wonderful community accomplishment,” he said.

“It is a tribute to all those who had a part in bringing it to reality.

“They haven't laid a glove on the building since 1984 and to see it transformed in this way is remarkable achievement.

“The government is thrilled to support it.”

Mr Lyons said it was “the best day ever”.

“It is very exciting,” he said.

“It has panned out exactly as it should; we have got the perfect day and a great crowd.”

Cl Rod Fyffe, who was also at the opening of the library in 1984, said it was “fabulous”.

“It is a rare honour and a privilege to be here,” he said.

“To see it come to fruition and really exceed everyone's expectations, which is something we hadn't banked on. We knew it would be great but this is fabulous.

Director Organisation Support and Project Director Marg Allan said she was so excited the opening had arrived and it was “a big day”.

“I'm so excited and so proud of the team that could deliver this,” she said.

“the thing I am most proud of is the community response.

“In the first 10 days 20,000 people have visited the library with 700 new members.

“That is just amazing.”