The grand opening ceremony of Booth Library has been delayed until September, allowing time for smaller projects in the library to be finished and avoiding a “soggy situation.”

The grand opening was set for April 18, but Allen Lanham, dean of library services, said he thought September would allow the atrium and south entrance to be completed and bring better weather and a more presentable and drier North Quad.

“We are more secure in choosing a time in September,” he said.

The south entrance is scheduled to open April 18 after the manufacturer delayed the delivery of the entrance steps numerous times, Carol Strode, interim director of facilities planning and management, said Wednesday.

Now that the steps are here, she said, crews have started working on the first floor landing, laying down terrazzo on the stairs and installing wooden paneling along the walls.

Crews have not started laying the stone-like surface on the higher level steps and the second floor landing, she said.

Once the steps are finished, the final touches, including hand rails and paint, can be added.

“(Crews are) working very diligently to get them installed,” Strode said.

The atrium is scheduled to wrap up Monday after crews replace several windows, install wood trim and paint.

Landscaping in the North Quad is not finished, causing less room and many soggy patches. Lanham said he hopes grass will be growing by September and the weather will be dryer and nicer.

“We thought we should look our best,” he said.

In preparation for the April opening, Lanham invited educators, officials and government personnel from around the state, an unnamed nationally known speaker and other “famous names.”

The new September opening date may change plans and he may have to find different speakers, but he will invite the same kind of guests.

A large order of custom built furniture, including wood tables, cabinets and shelves should arrive before June 15 for the opening, said Lanham.

He said the library staff was looking forward to the grand opening and was excited to see how the students seemed to be enjoying the building.