After many years of hoping and planning for a newly renovated and expanded Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, that day has finally arrived.

With the architectural drawings complete and the contractor chosen, the Library is making final arrangements for how to continue to offer services to its friends and neighbors during construction.

In order to accommodate patrons, the Library is moving to a temporary location for the duration of the construction.

After much looking about and measuring the costs and benefits of various spaces, the Library has chosen to relocate to the Meadow Mall. The space they are leasing is adjacent to the Boothbay Harbor House of Pizza and the former Laundromat.

This space will allow the Library to take approximately 30 percent of its collection. The most frequently circulated items will determine what goes to the temporary location and what remains behind in storage.

Much needs to be done, but behind the scene preparations are well under way. Please take note of the following dates: October 21-26 Library staff and volunteers will be marking the items in the collection to take to the temporary location; October 28-November 4 the Library will be closed to move to the temporary location and to box and store the rest of the collection.

Construction will begin the first week in November, with Frohmiller Construction of West Bath as the general contractor. Construction will be complete, if all goes well, by May 15, 2014.

Library Director Tim McFadden said, “This is an exciting time for the Library and for all those who have supported us throughout the years. We are looking forward to being able to offer the people of our area a beautiful and more functional space, one they will be proud to call their own. It wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of many people, so thank you to everyone who gave to make this possible.”