WILTON – The Wilton Free Public Library is ready to celebrate work already completed toward its renovation and start the final phase of fundraising, which will also provide for a new mezzanine level.

The public is invited to the celebration and reception planned from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday at the library, said Library Director David Olson on Tuesday. The Tyngtown and Wiltona clubs are assisting with arrangements.

The contractor offered a bid with the cost of the mezzanine included for $53,000 for that portion of the project, said Irv Faunce, chairman of the library’s Development Committee. Expecting a higher cost, the committee then decided to proceed with the whole project, creating a need to raise a total of $150,000, Faunce said.

A line of credit is available from a bank, he said, but the committee would like to raise the money before work is completed and not use the credit. About $60,000 of the $150,000 has already been raised.

Friday’s event is planned to celebrate how much has been accomplished and to begin fundraising. That will include direct mailings to library patrons, going back to previous donors and looking for grant opportunities, Faunce said. The committee hopes to have the library project completed by next April or May.

Earlier this year, the library received a $100,000 community development block grant to help bring the library building, built in 1915, to handicap accessible standards. Located across a stream from Main Street, the building has only been accessible by foot with parking located on the street.

The Goodspeed Memorial Library Building was a gift from the late Frank O. and George F. Goodspeed in memory of their parents, Flavius and Agnes Ingals Goodspeed. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

A new bridge has been completed, Olson said, and will provide vehicle access to a new handicap parking lot next to the library.

A new roof was completed earlier this year and construction crews are working on the handicap accessible entrance at the back of the library, installation of an elevator and the addition of the mezzanine.

Responding to a request from teenagers for space within the library, Olson said, the mezzanine will contain the a book collection for young adults and conference tables.