Last month brought an additional $1,333 in private funding, bringing the total through September to $54,855, or 47.9% of the goal. With three more months to go, the library still needs $59,855 in private funding to reach the goal of $114,453 and close the gap in its operating budget.

Private funding represents roughly a third of the library’s budget–with state and municipal funding accounting for the other two thirds. As Treasurer Carl Cramer explained in his article above, the size of the gap left after public funding has far outpaced inflation the past 10 years.

The last quarter of the year tends to be strong for private funding, with responses to the annual fund letter and contributions from the Friends of the library, but there is still more than half of the goal to attain, so every bit of help will be needed. Here are ways you can contribute …

  • Buy a Dan Schantz ‘Monthly Maddness’ card at the library for $20 and pick up a gift each month for a year at Dan Schantz Greenhouse (a $75 value). You’ll be supporting the library, the Friends of the library, and a local business too.
  • Enter the library’s monthly raffles for gift baskets filled with prizes donated by local businesses. Tickets are just $2 each or 3 for $5. Check at the library for each month’s raffle.
  • Attend the Friends of the Emmaus Public Library Annual Holiday Used-Book Sale on Friday, Dec. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the library. Pick up pre-loved books, puzzles and more at pocket-pleasing prices for yourself or someone on your holiday list.
  • 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 October figures in late November.