WELLS — With the passage of the Wells Public Library expansion from the June 13 Town Meeting ballot, Wells residents can expect construction to begin sometime in late July.

The project doesn’t currently have an end date for completion, but according to Library Director Devin Burritt construction to build the exterior will start soon.

“The plan right now, at the very least, is to get the box up so all the interior stuff can be worked on over the winter,” Burritt said.

Voters approved the 3,350-square-foot, $1 million, donor-funded expansion by a vote of 1,503-435 during the June 13 Town Meeting ballot. The project will add an additional level to the library’s southeast portion.

Initially, the space was going to be used for book overflow, Burritt said, but after having library directors from around New Hampshire and Maine review the library space suggestions were made to alter the height and area between bookshelves to accommodate for the overflow books.

The new addition will feature a 1,200-square-foot, 81-seat community programing room that will hold library programs, as well as meetings for the public. The area will be able to effectively fit 160 people. There will also be a quiet study room; something Burritt said has been needed for sometime.

“Right now we have a big open space for a busy, active library, but there isn’t really a place for quiet reflection because we are so active, so this will be a nice, quiet area,” Burritt said.

Burritt also added that the addition will allow for more administrative space.

The new space will be highly energy efficient, according to the Wells Public Library website. Solar panels, LED lights and heat pumps have all been discussed as possibilities.

Additionally, Burritt said all of the library’s services will be 100 percent available during construction, however, the front parking lot will be closed once construction is in full swing. The front entrance and sidewalk will remain open throughout the duration of the project.

— Staff Writer Ryder Schumacher can be reached at 282-1535, or via email at rschumacher@journaltribune.com.