As we promised two issues ago, we want to keep you up to date each month on progress toward the library’s private-funding goal. The 2019 goal of $114,453 represents roughly a third of the library’s budget — with state and local funding making up the other two thirds — so the private-funding component is vital to our operations.

Private funding refers to things such as donations, fines and fees, contributions from the Friends of the Emmaus Public Library, and so on — basically, any funds that don’t come from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the three municipalities we serve: Emmaus Borough, Macungie Borough and Upper Milford Township. Whereas the state and local funding component of our budget is guaranteed for the year, private funding is fluid and variable, but just as important.

Through the end of February, the total stands at $7,361, or 6.5 percent of the goal. That’s an increase of $3,959 for the month.

On the plus side, that’s more than January ($3,402), even though February was a shorter month. Also, not all months are created equal. Special Friends’ events such as Books & Beer and the annual spring book sale — as well as the library’s ‘annual letter’ campaign in the fall — will boost results more on some months than others, so it’s not a straight line. The start of the year is typically a slower time as everyone catches up on holidays bills and waits to see how their taxes shake out.

On the other hand, there’s a long way to go — $107,092 to be exact.

So, how can you help? Here are some timely ways:

  • Getting a tax refund? Consider making a tax-deductible donation to the library with a check or through PayPal (see below).
  • Shop at the Friends’ annual used book sale on April 13 (see below).
  • Join The Friends of the Emmaus Public Library for as little as $10 a year so you can attend the members-only Preview Night on April 12.
  • Need something to carry all those books in? Pick up one of the library’s canvas tote bags for a $10 donation. We also have EPL stickers and jigsaw puzzles available for a $2 and $20 donation, respectively.
  • Clean out your bookshelf and donate books, DVDs, CDs or puzzles for the Friends’ sale or to be added to our collection (in good condition only, please). Please note that while the library accepts current books (2019/late 2018) all year, the Friends will have a freeze on donations from April 1 to July 1, so there are just a few more days left to get your donations in.

And here are some other ways you can help throughout the year:

  • 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.
  • Drop cash donations or spare change in the donation box at the front desk or in the donation jar at events.
  • 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.
  • Donate gift cards to purchase craft or office supplies, or to be used as prizes for Summer Reading Clubs.
  • Buy a K-cup and enjoy a hot coffee, tea or cocoa while you browse for books.
  • Donate your time and talents to the library by becoming one of our awesome volunteers. Stop at the desk and ask for a Volunteer Interest Form.
  • Finally, mark your calendar for Sept. 21 to attend a Fall Wine Social at Brookside Country Club (more details to come).

Thank you for your support throughout the year. Stay tuned for the March figures in late April!