RICHMOND — Construction of the new library building is underway and could be finished by early next year.

The Board of Selectmen in May agreed $247,000 in donated money could be used to build a 3,000-square-foot library on the site of the previous building, at 86 Main St. Manwhile, town-owned Isaac F. Umberhine Library occupies a leased space at 164 Main St.

Work began about two weeks ago, said Steve Musica, the resident who organized the project.

The town’s public works crew recently finished backfilling the foundation, and the next steps are to put in drain lines and radiant heat tubing before the floor slab is poured.

“Then when that’s done maybe in a few weeks they’ll come pour the slab, and then things will start to move,” Musica said.

He said he anticipates that the contractors will be able to get a lot done this fall, but he’s not sure when the project will be finished.

Selectman Gary Poulin said the library could be finished by the first of the year if work goes according to schedule.

Poulin, a contractor, is making his own contributions to the project. He plans to build the circulation desk and a lantern-shaped cupola for the roof.

For the top of the cupola, Poulin’s wife’s son is creating an iron weathervane in the shape of a seated child reading.

Poulin said most people in town are happy to see the project moving forward. A replacement for the library building was first considered a couple of years ago, but the design was too expensive.

“I find that a large majority of people are excited,” Poulin said. “Having a new building is really a good center of pride for the community, plus it has benefits for adults and children.”

Susan McMillan — 621-5645
smcmillan@mainetoday.com