ADAMS TWP — After more than three years of discussion, the project to build a 19,000-square-foot library in the township park has taken a step forward.

The new library would replace the Mars Public Library on Grand Avenue, which has been called too small with too little parking.

Library director Vince Gadrix and library board treasurer Janice Schmitt met with the township supervisors on Tuesday regarding project funding.

The supervisors would provide $3.8 million toward the $4.5 million project. A $500,000 state grant, if received, would be used, and the sale of the old library building plus various fundraising projects would pay for the rest.

But Supervisor Tom Franceschina said he is concerned that the township would be on the hook if the cost of the building increases, as often happens in large construction projects.

Township solicitor Mike Gallagher said if the library and township apply together for and receive the $500,000 grant, the board could decide not to accept it.

He added that if the grant is accepted, the supervisors have a few months to decide whether to keep it or return it to the state.

But Gallagher warned that if the township accepts the grant, it could be financially responsible for any cost overages.

“You have the ability not to accept the grant, but if you take it, you are on the hook for the whole project,” Gallagher told the supervisors.

Supervisor Russ Ford asked Gadrix and Schmitt how much funding is provided by Middlesex Township and Mars, the two other municipalities that are served by the library.

“If we move the library here, what is their commitment to the project?” Ford asked.

He was told that each municipality provides an annual sum for the library’s budget, which this year is $260,000. Schmitt said Adams Township provides $146,000, Middlesex $5,000 and Mars $4,000.

She said the county, through state funding it received, provided $22,000 this year as well. She said the bulk of the remaining money is earned through various fundraisers.

“That seems awfully high,” Franceschina said of the amount earned through fundraisers.

“We’re the only library in the county that does it,” Schmitt said of the fundraisers.

Ford and Franceschina asked the library representatives if they could advertise early for bids so that by the time the supervisors vote whether to sign a contract with the library, they would know what amount they are agreeing to.

Gadrix, who said the grant decision should come in January, said the bids would be advertised as soon as possible.

Franceschina said he would not sign off on the grant if the bids have not been received.

Supervisors Chairman Donald Aiken asked each supervisor to divulge whether they are in favor of moving the library to the township.

Ford said if all the numbers fall into place, he is in favor of the move.

Ed Vogel said as long as the supervisors have the option to return the grant and back out of the project should it become too expensive, he favors the project.

Linda Lees said she is in favor.

“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for our township,” Lees said.

The board voted unanimously to apply for the $500,000 state grant.

John Watson, president of the Mars Historic and Landmark Society, told the supervisors he would hate to see the library leave the only walkable Main Street in the area.

“If you pull the library from Mars, it’s going to hurt a lot of businesses,” Watson said.

He said he would rather see the library move to a larger building in the borough or find a way to expand the current location.

Franceschina suggested Gadrix give public presentations in Middlesex and Mars regarding the move, to which Gadrix agreed.