Through a recent email Mike McGovern, the town manager in Cape Elizabeth, has informed the Town Council that the yearlong, $4 million renovation and upgrade project at the Thomas Memorial Library is nearly complete.

In his email, McGovern told councilors that while there is still some work to do, the library is on track for an informal re-opening on Feb. 4. The temporary library at the former Spurwink School will be closed throughout the month of January to allow library staff to make the transition to the new building.

That transition includes the installation of new shelving, interior signage, delivery of furnishing and moving books and other materials into the new building, along with hooking up all the new technology.

In the midst of all this, Kyle Neugebauer, the newly appointed library director, is set to begin work on Jan. 13, while current director Jay Scherma, gets ready to retire on Jan. 22.

In his email to the council, McGovern said the exterior changes, including a new parking lot and landscaping, are obvious, but work is also progressing inside the new library with the installation of the new heating and electrical systems, in addition to the plumbing, flooring and built-ins going in last week.

The fireplace, elevator, and flooring and paneling for the main lobby entryway still need to be completed, but the good news, McGovern said, is that this work can continue while the transition begins.

In addition, McGovern said, the library’s newly renovated cupola is scheduled for installation in mid-January.

The newly renovated and updated Thomas Memorial Library in Cape Elizabeth is on track to re-open to the public on Feb. 4.