The August numbers are in, so let’s check in on our private-funding thermometer and see where we are going into the fourth quarter. To recap, this represents a third of the library’s budget–the part that’s not covered by state and local funds.

Last month, private funding–including donations, fines and fees, and contributions from the Friends of the library–totaled $4,772. That brings the year-to-date total to $53,552, or 46.7% of the goal.

With just four months of results to go, we still have 53.3%–or $60,901–to go towards the target of $114,453. Not impossible, but definitely challenging.

Want to help the library get there? Enter the new monthly raffles this fall, watch your mailbox for this year’s annual letter and give what you can, and mark your calendar for the Friends’ holiday book sale on Dec. 6 (more to come), then read on for even more ways to help EPL make the goal:

  • 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 September figures in late October.