The new Gloucester Library branch at Hayes should be ready to occupy in about six weeks, library director Diane Rebertus said Monday night.

During a meeting of the Gloucester Library Board at the main library in Main Street Center, Rebertus said that the lease on the present branch will expire on Aug. 6. She expects the new, much larger branch at York River Crossing Shopping Center, Hayes, will be available to move into on Aug. 1.

However, Rebertus said the facility won’t quite be ready for public use then, as furniture, books, and many other items are moved from the present Gloucester Point building to the new building. She said the branch will likely be closed for a couple weeks while final preparations are made, but the main library will operate with normal hours.

Rebertus said that a moving company will be hired for the move, supplemented by efforts by library staff and a Gloucester Buildings and Grounds crew.

Rebertus said the new branch will have approximately twi...