The library reopened yesterday after being closed for four weeks for the project -the first major redevelopment since it was opened in September, 1975.
It was a busy day, people returning books they had taken out to tide them over the closure and then browsing the library to find their favourite sections.
The layout has been changed, but the biggest gain is spaciousness.
There is now a wide central corridor from the front to the rear doors, more space around the check in and out desk and a freshness about the whole interior.
The creation of spaciousness had been achieved in a number of ways, library manager Lorraine Weston-Webb said, even though the stock was the same and the linear length of shelving may have increased only slightly.
That openness has been created by shifting the fiction and children's section to the front of the building, with shelving increasing in height towards the rear. A better layout had also allowed for more open space.
Most people using the library yesterday were finding their own way around the new layout.
The reaction was generally positive, particularly about the airiness and modern look.
Staff and volunteers started shifting three container-loads of books - more than 45,000 items - back into the library on Friday, initially working around contractors completing finishing touches.
On Saturday there were 21 staff and volunteers restocking shelves and on Sunday work was completed.
Before the library closed it had about 6000 more items than usual out on loan.
People still had up to two weeks from yesterday to return books issued before the library closed without incurring over due penalties, and could arrange to renew borrowings.
An official opening will be held at 6pm on March 27, followed by a children's library open day on March 29.
