PELHAM – Pelham Public Library Director Mary Campbell said the construction of the new library is still on schedule for a March 2018 opening.

“The exterior is pretty much done and the construction crews are now working doing dry wall inside,” Campbell said.

Each floor of the $4 million, two-story library will be 10,000 square feet. Campbell said the process has been smooth sailing so far.

“There haven’t been any major problems – everything has gone smoothly,” she said.

Once construction is complete and all furniture and shelving is moved in, Campbell said the library will close for a bit.

“We will have to do some major packing,” she said. “We’ll have to pack up all of our books and everything else and move it to the new library. Hopefully we’ll only be closed for two weeks.”

While the library is closed, the due dates for all checked out items will be pushed back until the library reopens. Library users will also have the option to return items using the drop box, which will still be located at the old library.

Books and audio books can also be returned to any Shelby County library. However, movies must be returned to the library they were checked out from.

Campbell added that the Library Guild is still fundraising in an effort to reach its $300,000 goal. So far, a little more than $215,000 has been raised.

“This money will be used to give the library those little extra touches that make it spectacular,” Campbell said. “We will purchase things like furniture and other additional amenities that will make the building even better.”

The last day to purchase engraved bricks is Jan. 13, 2018.The guild’s engraved brick fundraiser gives residents an opportunity to support the library while also recognizing loved ones or promoting a business, said library director Mary Campbell.

Each engraved brick can have up to three lines and 20 characters. Bricks can be in honor or memory of loved one, promote a business or celebrate the birth of a child.

Each engraved brick costs $200. The bricks will be placed in the covered entryway of the library.

For more information stop by the library or contact Campbell at 620-6418.