Kathy Sluga, director of the Mt. Jewett Memorial Library, addresses the Mt. Jewett Borough Council during its meeting earlier this week. The Library is seeking funds for various programs and equipment.

The Mt. Jewett Memorial Library is seeking funds for equipment and various programs.

Kathy Sluga, director of the library on East Main Street, has asked the Mt. Jewett Borough Council to try to find money in the borough budget to assist the library. Council did not act on the request at its meeting Monday at the library.

According to a fund-raising letter, the library “serves the needs of close to 2,000 patrons in Mt. Jewett and Hamlin Township.”

“Our residents enjoy the access to the Internet through the library and the reference books available for students,” the letter points out. “Our building is the meeting place for many organizations and we are fortunate to have this facility in our small community.”

Speaking to council, Sluga said the after-school program at the library is very popular with children.

“It’s an absolute zoo,” Sluga said in reference to the popularity of the after-school program.

The library recently has received a grant through the Gates Foundation for new computers, software and technology to be available to the public. However, the terms of the funding require the library to raise $900 “to continue to be eligible for the grant.”

Another grant will “bring our library to the next level of technology,” the fund-raising letter notes. “The grant is for the purchase of a new computer to scan the books as they are checked out. Once again, we have to contribute to the fund and the estimated cost will be $1,000 annually.”

The library also is seeking funding for its summer reading program for children,

“To add to the fun and create a sense of challenge to keep the children reading, we would like to offer incentives and contest prizes at various times,” the library said in its message to council and community members. “Because of a limited budget, we cannot afford to offer this program without your help.”

The library has placed donation cans at various locations in the Mt. Jewett area. Donations also can be mailed to the library or dropped off.

To help with the fund-raising campaign, contact the library at 778-5588.