Anyone who reads a lot knows how books can accumulate on shelves, floors and in boxes around the house.

Imagine, then, if you're in charge of a community library and you've got to pack up books -- thousands of them -- that have been gathering since before 1972.

It's an arduous task and, luckily, it doesn't happen very often.

But it is happening in Penn Hills, as the old Penn Hills library closed unceremoniously Saturday to get ready for the big move to a new facility, the William E. Anderson Library of Penn Hills, at Stotler and Saltsburg roads.

Shelves of books are being measured and cataloged so movers can put the volumes on the proper shelves in the new facility. Desks are being cleared, computers packed, files secured.

All of the bits and pieces collected in the 35 years the old library existed on Aster Street, near Linton Middle School, will need to be given a second look and an assigned place in a new building that will open this fall.

"It is unique," head librarian Ed Mandell said.

The actual move will take place Aug. 20-22.

George Moving and Storage Inc., of Freedom, has been hired for $19,500 to accomplish the task.

Mr. Mandell said he wasn't around when Penn Hills Library moved from a small storefront in Chestnut Plaza to the Aster Street building, but he assumes it wasn't the undertaking it is now.

The new library won't open until Oct. 1 and grand opening ceremonies are planned for Oct. 6. He said the library board is planning a week's worth of activities to celebrate the opening of the new library.

After years of discussion and fund raising, ground was broken June 2006 on 6 acres of land donated by Mr. Anderson, a former developer. He also donated $1.4 million.

The cost of the project is $6.2 million and is being funded through a number of sources, including state and local grants and private donations, both big and small.

The new library was designed by architect Mark McCormick. The 35,000-square-foot building was designed to use green building practices, such as abundant natural light and little environmental disturbance.

It has meeting rooms and outdoor areas for use by community organizations.

Though it means a lot of work for him and the library staff, Mr. Mandell doesn't mind.

"It's exciting," he said.