Because of the shipping schedules for many items needed for the new Gloucester Library branch at Hayes, the lower county facility may close at its present location in early August and not reopen in its new quarters until September, library director Diane Rebertus said Friday.

Earlier, Rebertus said the library branch might be closed to the public for only a week or so. But now she said much of the shelving, furniture and equipment are on order and the exact arrival dates have not been finalized. After the material arrives, part of it will need to be assembled on site. The professional crew hired for the move from the present branch at Gloucester Point to space being renovated at York River Crossing Shopping Center will assemble the shelves, Rebertus said.

Regardless of the exact opening date of the new branch, Rebertus said the grand opening will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. She said the branch is expected to be open for patrons’ use more than a month before the grand opening.

The Gloucester Board of Supervisors has been invited to attend, Rebertus said, as well as other dignitaries. Refreshments will be served.

Betsy Phillips, chairman of the Citizen Committee for Point Branch Library, said Friday that approximately $60,000 of the $85,000 fund drive goal has been raised so far.

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