ELY – The doors of the new Ely Public Library opened at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, and 101-year-old Ely resident Millie Blus was one of the first to step inside.

“We wanted to make sure she was one of the first,” said Library Director Rachel Heinrich.

Blus used to be a regular at the old library, but starting two years ago, she couldn’t make it up the Community Center’s steps to get inside. Now that the new library is handicap accessible, Blus said she’ll be back reading books just like old times.

“I’ve got a lot of catching up to do,” Blus said and chuckled. “The library is one of my favorite places. I read a lot of books. That’s why I’m so smart.”

Blus and longtime friend Sarah Burger spent the morning walking up and down the book shelf aisles, meeting new library-goers and hugging old librarian friends.

The new library has everything from mystery to fiction and thousands of fresh stories in circulation. Comfy couches and chairs are placed strategically throughout the reading areas, and bright blue bean bags sit on the floor of the kids’ section.

Half of the hanging paintings are new to the walls, but the old Dorothy Molter painting is still there, guarding the bathrooms.

Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon, library-goers can enjoy the library, research on the computers, and check out CDs, videos and books.

The official opening library ceremony will be on Dec. 10.