‘Money for Mondays’ raffle underway at Lehighton library

Better libraries can build stronger communities.

At least, that’s the belief held by the Lehighton Area Memorial Library.

Since July 1, the library has conducted its “Money for Mondays” cash raffle.

Donations are $10 for one ticket, or $25 for three tickets. Proceeds benefit the library.

The raffle runs through Nov. 19, at which time winners will be drawn.

There were already two early bird drawings, according to Jane Roberts, library secretary.

Roberts added that the library has also been holding book sales.

“We’ve had people from out of town,” Roberts said. “It’s been positive; I think it’s just getting the word out.”

Roberts praised Stacey Duerst, the Lehighton Area School Board representative on the library board, for coming up with the cash raffle idea.

“Stacey conceived of this idea,” Roberts said. “I think it’s a dynamic idea.”

Duerst said it was about two years ago that the library was experiencing some financial difficulty, and had to make some decisions about how they could best save money.

As a result, they chose to cut back hours, which meant closing on Mondays, and cutting back the other hours by one, Duerst said.

They also hired only a part-time library assistant as well, she said.

At present, the library’s ultimate goal is to increase its funding, hours, collection and technology, membership and overall size.

“Our finances have kind of stabilized,” Duerst said. “We seem to be controlling our spending, (so) they decided to try to give this a go again.”

Duerst said the options are for the library to either open back up on Mondays, or increase the number of hours the library is open a day.

“The first step is we need to be open six days a week, and we realize that,” she said. “It’s all in an effort to try to grow.”

Duerst said the library’s goal is to have expanded hours by 2018.

The library hired Melissa Hawk as its library director. Hawk started on Monday.

“We’re very excited,” Duerst said. “She’ll be able to bring new outreach programs for the community.”

The library has been serving the borough and surrounding areas since 1948.

As of last year, its attendance rate was 19,970 between adults and children combined.

The library is currently open from 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, and closed Sundays and Mondays.