It’s hard to believe, but 2019 is half over, and it’s time to check in again on private funding, which represents a third of the library’s operating budget. The other two thirds comes directly from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the three municipalities the library serves: Emmaus Borough, Macungie Borough, and Upper Milford Township.

Private funding sources include donations, fines, fees, contributions from the Friends of the Emmaus Public Libary, and anything else outside of the state and municipal funding mentioned above.

This year’s private funding target is $114,453. June results brought the year-to-date total to $42,042 — an increase of $7,143. That puts the library at 36.7 percent of the goal, still leaving 63.3 percent — or $72,411 — to go in the remaining six months.

Despite the steep climb ahead, the goal is within reach and all contributions are appreciated. Let’s keep going!

Two great ways to contribute and have fun at the same time are to sign up for the Friends’ Sept. 21 Bus Trip to Winterthur Museum to view the ‘Costuming The Crown’ exhibit — and to attend the Sept. 27 Autumn Social at Brookside Country Club being hosted by the library’s Board of Trustees. The event will feature wine, hors d’oeuvres, and (…drum roll, please) chocolate! A cash bar will also be available and a silent auction will cap off a great evening. Both events promise to be a wonderful time with fun people, and both will support the library. Click on the links above for more info or ask at the desk.

If your calendar is full on those days or events are not your cup of tea, here are other ways you can help:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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. Ask for a Volunteer Interest Form at the desk.
  • Clean out your bookshelf and donate books, DVDs, CDs or puzzles to be added to our collection or sold by The Friends of the Emmaus Public Library (in good condition only, please).

Thank you for your support! Stay tuned for the July figures in late August.