So, where exactly does the library get the funds to buy all those books and computers…hire staff…or buy supplies for the popular Pinterest parties? If your answer is ‘Why, taxes, of course!’ you’re only partly right.

The Emmaus Public Library receives approximately two thirds of its annual operating funds from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the three municipalities it serves — Emmaus Borough, Macungie Borough, and Upper Milford Township.

The other third must come from ‘private funding sources’ throughout the year — including generous donors, patrons and sponsors — as well as the Friends of the Emmaus Public Library, which contributes roughly ten percent (or more than $36,000 in 2018). And yes, fines are part of that ‘one-third’ bucket too.

This year, the library’s private funding target is $114,453, which breaks down into roughly $9,500 a month on average. No small potatoes. That’s why you see a donation jar at library events, and a donation box at the front desk…and why we are so happy when you drop your spare change in there, or write a check, or set up an automatic monthly contribution through PayPal — whether it’s $50 a month or $5 a month.

That’s also why we want to keep you up to date on progress toward that goal. This is your library, after all, and your money. We all just get to come here and do what we love each day — providing access to the information you need, hosting 300+ events a year, helping you find that life-changing book (or beach read!), or getting your child hooked on reading.

So, each month — after the numbers for the previous month are crunched — we’ll bring you an update. As you can see, we’re starting off the year a little slow, with $3,402 raised through the end of January, but let’s all watch that thermometer get more and more full and end the year by reaching or exceeding the target.

Then we’ll throw a big party.

We’re kidding. We’ll just put out some balloons and a basket of candy and keep on serving you, grateful for your support of EPL and the public library system.

In the meantime, as you consider the value of that new purple library card, here are a few ways you can contribute — financial and otherwise:

  • Make a one-time donation though 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 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.
  • 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.
  • Attend the Friends’ fundraisers, such as the annual spring used-book sale.
  • Buy an EPL tote bag, puzzle, or sticker that sports our logo.
  • 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.
  • 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) .