ROCKPORT — The Rockport Public Library is moving to its temporary space beginning Saturday, Dec. 12 and continuing through the weekend until the transfer of books is completed. To get the task done, library staff have putting out a call for the community’s help, with the hope that all the books will be moved by the end of the day on Monday, Dec. 14.

The location of the temporary library space is 485 Commercial St. (Route 1).

In a press release, Interim Library Director Ben Blackmon said the following is some of what they need:

Shelving Team: Before the move the library needs help completing the shelving units. This entails set up of shelving and adding shelves to already-set units. Shelving also need to be cleaned and dusted in preparation for the books and other materials.

Limerock Team: This group will need to box, tape, label and pack the books in preparation for moving. Volunteers, with good backs, need to be prepared to load boxes onto trucks to go to the new site. This also requires moving the labeled boxes to the various areas in the building. The move is set to begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. This group will meet at the current library.

485 Commercial Team: This team will be box unloaders, who will be prepared to move the books onto the new shelving. This team will be doing the reverse of the Limerock Team. They will be unloading, unpacking and shelving books in the new space. The first truckload of books should be arriving at the new site by 9 a.m.

Art Hangers: The library has some pieces of artwork to be hung in the new space. Ladders and step stools will be provided, along with an assortment of tools. The Art Hangers will be working under an “Art Czar,” who knows where all the art will be hung.

Food Angels: People also sought to sign up to be goodie angels. Feel free to drop off any tasty treats to feed the exceptional people that will be lifting and lugging books.

Once the move is over, the work is not done, said Blackmon.

“We are looking for greeters to provide library tours for about two weeks after the move,” he said. “Another important aspect of the move is to make sure that the books are shelved correctly. For that work, we need people with real attention to detail to ensure that the books are in proper order.”

Sign-up sheets and additional information are available at the library. Anyone interested in volunteering to help can call the library at 236-3642 or stop in.

“Feel free to help us all day or only for an hour, we can use all the help we can get,” said Blackmon is the release. “This is a big move and the library very much appreciates your time and experience. We look forward to seeing you in our new, temporary home soon.”

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