Plans are starting to firm up for a new Hayes branch of the Gloucester Public Library, director Diane Rebertus reported Monday night.

Speaking to the Gloucester Library Board during a regular meeting at the main branch in Main Street Center, Rebertus said that the lease on the present branch will expire in early August. She anticipates the new, much larger branch at York River Crossing Shopping Center, Hayes, will open in late summer or early fall.

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

A fundraising committee began meeting in April, Rebertus said, and several generous donations have already been received. She said the committee hopes to raise approximately $85,000 for furnishing the new branch.

A brochure distributed at the meeting said the committee seeks items to furnish a meeting room, the children’s room, young adult area, a staff area, periodical area, ci...