A holiday wish list

As the holiday season approaches, nonprofits are asking that we look at the organizations we value most and consider supporting them.

The Lehighton Area Memorial Library is no different and is launching its "Secret Santa" wish list this week as a way to expand its offerings to the community.

The wish list, available both as an Amazon.com wish list and in the library, will give supporters a chance to purchase a book, movie, craft, game or supplies for the library.

"We had a great response to our annual fund drive, but it only happens once a year," said Valerie Sellix, director of the Lehighton Area Memorial Library.

"We're still struggling to purchase items and serve the community throughout the year. While the fund drive goes toward more operational expenses, like paying for our Internet service that is available to the public, people are always saying that we don't get enough items - and that's because we're just trying to keep our doors open."

While Sellix is actively working to build the library's offerings and reputation, she is limited by budget constraints. Cuts implemented last year mean that the library is already closed on Mondays and has reduced its hours and staff.

She was inspired to start a wish list for the library after viewing a friend's Amazon wish list for their newborn. Items purchased from an Amazon wish list are mailed directly to the wish list recipient.

The library's budget currently allows staff members to purchase four DVDs per month and 15 books. Of those 15 books, Sellix is currently purchasing 10 adult fiction novels and five juvenile fiction, including two children's books, one book geared toward elementary and middle school and two young adult books.

"People ask me, do I have this or do I have that? We have to make choices, and some things just couldn't be included," she said. "I just can't get every DVD that comes out each month, or every new book, especially at this time of year when there are so many authors releasing books and so many DVDs coming out during the holidays. It's such a tough decision to make."

Many of the books and DVDs on the library's wish list have been requested by library patrons. The library is also accepting donations of other titles, although Sellix recommends that potential donors look through the library's online catalog to ensure that a book or DVD isn't already available for lending. Gently used books, DVDs and games are also being accepted, although the library staff reserves discretion as to whether a used item will be stocked on the shelf.

"Any way that we can get people more involved I what we're doing here, both telling us what they'd like to see in our library and maybe donating things, will be a good thing for us," she said. "I'm happy to see anything come in. There are things that aren't on the list, but that doesn't mean they can't bring it in."

Other requested items include adult and children's coloring books and games. The adult coloring books will be used during the library's monthly coloring club, which meets the first Tuesday of every month. Sellix is also hoping to start a family game night, but needs to build a stock of games appropriate for families and children of all ages.

"I'd love to start a family game night, where the games wouldn't really leave the library but people can play them while they're here," she said. "Board games are really a luxury, to have the extra money to buy something like that for at home. If we could have them here, it would serve our community greatly."

Sellix has fond memories of playing board games with her own family while growing up.

"I have such amazing memories, and it would be great if we could have that here," she said. "I'd also love to get some Legos. There are kids who love to play with Legos but just can't afford them. I would like to have some Legos here that could be used on a club night, or just for kids to play with after school."

While several card and board games are listed on the library's Amazon wish list, gently used games with all of their pieces would be greatly appreciated, she added, noting that families tend to clean out their toy closets as they prepare for the upcoming holiday season.

The final request found on the library's wish list is for more mundane, but still critical, supplies. The library goes through countless pens, Clorox wipes, and other household items each month. Donations of these items would allow the library to spend a greater portion of its fund drive donations to directly benefit the community.

"It's sad that we have to pick and choose what we get, but there are things that come first. I have to make sure the lights stay on, and our Internet connection is on, and that we have paper towels in the bathroom. That means I can't spend as much on books and DVDs," she said. "We provide a lot of computer and Internet access to our community. It's roughly three out of 10 kids who don't have Internet access at home. They can get that here, but they can't if we're not open.

"If you can't afford to donate something to us, just tell us what you love, and what you appreciate," she added. "It really is nice to hear when people have a positive reaction to us."

The library's online wish list is available at amazon.com/wishlist by searching for "Lehighton Library." Gift tags listing wish list items are also available at the library during normal hours.

The library is located at 124 North St., Lehighton. It's open Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 9 to 3 p.m.