The double doors are scheduled to open on June 9, but that may be more than enough time to get the library prepared and dolled up if construction and volunteer workers continue to work with speed.

Since May 1, more than 150 individual community members like Burlingham—not to mention various organizations such as the Girl and Boy Scouts—have committed hours of their time and energy lifting 40- to 45-pound boxes filled with books, and shelving those books in alphabetical order and according to the Dewey decimal system. In addition, there are more than 50 people on a waiting list, waiting and hoping to lend a hand.

"The level of community participation and enthusiasm is mind-blowing," said Karen Boyle, the library's circulation supervisor, who has spent over 50 hours a week working to get the library complete.

According to Boyle, volunteers and library staff members have unloaded and shelved more than 2,352 boxes of library items in the first phase of the moving process. Boyle said she anticipated this phase to last two full weeks but ended up having to cancel the last five days because there weren't any books left to shelve.

The volunteers work in three-hour shifts, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

"I've put a lot of heart and soul into this project," said Leonard Zamzow, who works the early shift four days a week. "I would be happy to work there eight hours a day."

Zamzow, who said he always arrives at the library 30 minutes before his shift starts, added that he is sad to see the building almost complete because he's had such a wonderful experience. He is excited to see the finished product, however.

"It's like building a home and putting furniture in for the first time," he said.

Administrators like children's librarian Peggy Baker and children's program librarian Diana Colby have also been focusing much of their time and energy putting the library together.

"It's well worth the time," said Colby. "There's a block party spirit among the staff and volunteers."

On the other end, construction crews have been busy working on the technical aspects, like checking airflow and putting the finishing touches on the building.

Jim Rogers, superintendent of the construction project, said that "things are moving right along" and that the interior was expected to be completed before the end of May. The crew will be working on the exterior, which includes installing an 11-foot bike rack, placing six to eight benches around the building and renovating the light poles in the parking structure.

The grand opening celebration will be held approximately two weeks after the initial opening on June 21.