OLD ORCHARD BEACH — The town manager announced the Edith Belle Libby Library will reopen at its permanent location in the spring.

The library has been operating at the Lions Club building, at 128 Saco Ave., since April, while its permanent location, at 27 Staples St., has been being expanded.

In November of 2011, voters approved a $2 million bond package as part of a $2.2 million expansion project for the library. Library officials reported at the time that they had raised about $250,000 for the project.

The library, located on Staples Street, was built in 1956. It was funded by former selectman Frank Libby, who, in his will, dedicated funds to build the library in honor of his late wife.

Library officials said space in the original building was limited and did not meet the needs of the community. In 2011, the library released information stating the facility sees about 100 patrons a day in the winter and 200 in the summer.

Town Manager Larry Mead said at Tuesday night’s town council meeting that work on the library should be “substantially complete” by March, and a grand opening will likely take place in May, after books, computers and other items are moved in and set up.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].