The Jersey City Free Public Library's main library, expected to be reopened by April 1, will remain closed until September because of delays in the major renovation project at the Jersey Avenue building.

The building was closed last September, and was slated to be reopened in December, but delays related to deliveries of items like a new elevator pushed back the reopening to March.

On March 31, after being pressed by The Jersey Journal for an update on the renovations and restorations, the library issued a press release saying the building will reopen on Sept. 6. But there's a caveat -- library officials will not rule out more partial and even full closures of the building after Sept. 6.

The architect on the project, Helena Ruma advised, based on costs and feasibility, remaining closed during the current phase of work, officials said.

The main library, which opened in 1901, is undergoing a $15 million facelift that includes replacing and/or restoring the building's terrazo tile; replacing an elevator and the 12-foot monumental windows. Part of the project, which is expected to take five years, called for the removal of asbestos.

"We understand the need to reopen to the public and have formulated a plan and timetable that will allow us to continue with these important renovations and construction while offering residents access to the city's main library," Library Director Priscilla Gardner said in a statement.

"We are grateful that city government has taken a focused look at the main library's current renovation status, as well as provided the capital improvement funds for this major project that when complete, will provide a greater service to the public."

The window replacement project is expected to start in June and continue through the end of the year. Individual departments are expected to be closed during the window replacements.

The second phase of the project will start this summer and continue until the spring 2017, library officials said.

The phase III construction work, which includes replacement of the heating system, new central air conditioning and construction of a new bookstack building in the rear with a state-of-the art auditorium, will start by the end of the year, officials said.

Over the past year or so, the main library has closed for days at a time so that work, such as the asbestos removal could be completed. Only in September 2015 did the library close for an extended time.