OLD ORCHARD BEACH — It was a dream come true for library staff, something they had wanted for years.

In April, the Edith Belle Libby Memorial Library reopened at 27 Staples St. after a $2 million expansion project. The increase of space was much needed for the nearly 60-year-old library to accommodate the needs of the modern community.

The 4,500-square-foot expansion more than doubled the space, and has allowed librarians to increase programs. There is now a dedicated children’s section, a quiet study area and a comfortable, spacious reading area with a gas fireplace.

In June, residents approved a $1.2 million bond for a new fire truck. The Sutphen 100-foot ladder tower will replace a truck that is in need of an estimated $220,000 in repairs.

In October, police Lt. Tim DeLuca was promoted to deputy police chief. A well-known face around town, DeLuca has been with the police department since 1984. DeLuca replaced Keith Babin, who retired in September after serving in the police department for 32 years.

Skaters both local and from away celebrated the opening of a new skate park at Ballpark Way. After years of planning, the project came to fruition in the summer. The concrete park features a deep bowl and a flow section with a mini halfpipe. The new park replaces the old wood skate park on E. Emerson Cummings Boulevard, which was dismantled in 2010.

The town approved an ordinance to regulate zoning for non-residential medical marijuana growing facilities to allow them in the town’s General Business 1 and Industrial zones. Discussions regarding such growing facilities came about when resident Pierre Bouthiller proposed one at 60 Saco Ave. The location of Bouthiller’s proposed business did not fall under the zones approved in the new ordinance.

In September, the town began offering pre-kindergarten classes. The town was able to initiate the two-classroom pilot program thanks to federal funding channeled through the state. Criteria to receive funding included the number of students who meet free and reduced lunch guidelines.

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