The final private funding numbers are in for 2019–and there’s good reason to celebrate.

A strong December dash to the finish added another $5,941 to the total, bringing the final tally for the year to $110,603, or 96.6% of the goal ($114,453)!

Donations to the annual fund made up the bulk of the December results, with additional contributions coming from the Friends’ Book Sale Nook, fines and fees, and monthly raffles.

Many thanks to The Friends of the Emmaus Public Library — our single largest source of private funding — who well exceeded their goal, and whose contribution has become essential to the library’s operating budget following cuts in state funding a few years ago.

Many thanks also to community organizations and local businesses for their contributions throughout the year. From financial donations to gifts and services for raffles and summer reading prizes, the importance of having support from area businesses and nonprofit groups cannot be overstated.

Finally, we can’t say enough about you — our wonderful patrons — for your generous donations throughout the year. From the quarters in the donation box, to the $10 recurring monthly contributions, to the large checks for the annual fund — every penny counted toward what was a significant target. We wouldn’t have come nearly as close without your support. Thank you!

If you’re wondering where the extra $3,850 will come from to close the gap, in this case it will be made up from the library’s 2019 expenses, which finished the year $5,995 less than the total budgeted! Fortunately, thanks to all your contributions and prudent ‘belt-tightening’ by the library, the 2019 gap can be covered with the library’s reserves without an adverse impact.

Watch for the 2020 private-funding target and January results next month.

In the meantime, we look forward to a great year as we build on the amazing growth of 2019. Help the library get off to a great start with these suggestions:

  • Enter the monthly raffles at the library for a chance to win great prizes donated by local businesses.
  • Buy a Dan Schantz ‘Monthly Maddness’ card at the library for $20 and pick up a gift each month for a full year at Dan Schantz Greenhouse (a $75 value). You’ll be supporting the library, the Friends of the library, and a local business too.
  • Make a one-time donation through PayPal with any major credit or debit card.
  • Set up an automatic monthly donation for any amount (also through PayPal) to spread payments throughout the year.
  • Write a check to the Emmaus Public Library and drop it by or mail it to us at: 11 E. Main St., Emmaus, PA 18049.
  • If you shop at Amazon, use Amazon Smile and choose Emmaus Public Library to have the library receive a small percentage of your purchase at no cost to you.
  • Join The Friends of the Emmaus Public Library for as little as $10 a year and help organize events such as the annual spring book sale.
  • Donate gift cards to purchase craft or office supplies, or to be used as prizes for Summer Reading Clubs.
  • Buy an EPL tote bag, puzzle, or sticker that sports our logo.
  • Shop at the Friends’ Book Sale Nook in the library for gently used books and puzzles at great prices.
  • Buy a K-cup and enjoy a hot coffee, tea or cocoa while you browse for books — now just $1!
  • Donate your time and talents to the library by becoming one of our awesome volunteers. Go here to download a volunteer application or pick one up at the desk.
  • Clean out your bookshelf and donate gently used books, DVDs, CDs or puzzles in good condition to be added to our collection or sold by The Friends of the Emmaus Public Library.

Thank you for supporting the library!