The building was acquired nearly seven years ago, construction began in February of last year, tours will be offered this weekend, and this summer, Onset's Spinney Memorial Library will open for circulation.

“It's so exciting to see it finally done,” said Priscilla Porter, chair of the Spinney Memorial Library board formed by the Friends of the Wareham Free Library, which fundraised more than $650,000 to acquire and renovate the historic building.

Located at 259 Onset Ave. in the heart of Onset Village, the original Spinney Library was built in the late 1800s. It functioned as a library until the 1940s, and was subsequently used as a meeting place for the Wareham Girl Scouts.

The building was expanded to 1,900 square feet. A meeting room and kitchen area occupies the space of the original structure, while an addition off the left side includes the main room with the circulation desk and shelving, as well as a separate room for an office.

Members of the Spinney board were tying up loose ends last weekend, cleaning windows and completing yard work. The walkway and handicap ramp, which was previously too steep for building requirements, was recently completed.

The library will be run completely by volunteers. Porter says about 20 – both year-round and summer residents – have signed up to help out.

Volunteers have also helped get the building ready, from setting up the furniture to organizing the children's section. Porter's son and a friend set up the library's computers and network.

“Everyone's pitched in,” Porter said. “It's wonderful!”

The Friends will show off the new facility this weekend. The Spinney will be open for tours on Sunday and Monday, May 29 and 30, from noon to 3 p.m.

After the library opens, the Friends would like it to be accepted as a branch of the Wareham Free Library, Porter said.

“That was the goal from day one,” she added. Town Meeting would have to vote to accept the building.

In addition to books, the Spinney Memorial Library will loan out fishing equipment, as the Wareham Free Library does. Funds were donated specifically for the purchase of the the fishing supplies.

Though the building is almost ready for its grand opening, the Friends are still looking for donations of used books in good condition. Books will be accepted during this weekend's tours.

Additionally, a lobster boil fundraiser to help with expenses associated with the grounds and landscaping will be held at Salerno’s in Onset on June 26 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and are available at Shell Pointe Real Estate in Onset, from the Friends of the Wareham Free Library, Inc., or by calling 508-295-3575 or e-mailing Friendswfl@gmail.com.