The Western Pocono Community Library is an incredible world of adventure and mystery well within our reach. The library is filled with books, movies and art. It serves as a learning place, a community space and a place to work, read and relax.

But it costs money to provide this wonderful benefit to the community. This library, like many others throughout the state, counts on contributions from the townships that it serves, private citizens and the state. Unfortunately, the battle in Harrisburg over the state budget has begun to affect the library as well."We are OK, but it could come to reducing hours," says library Director Carol Kern."We are not planning it at this time, but if the budget fight keeps going on we won't have a choice. But even reducing hours won't stop the bills you can't curtail, like propane and the telephone."The community has stepped up, and Kern has set up tables in the library with donated items for sale. The money from the sale of these items goes to the library. In addition, the library has kicked off an annual appeal through Dec. 31."We send out 3,200 emails and over 225 letters," Kern said. "The response so far has been warming."Anyone interested in taking part in the appeal can contact the library for more information at 570-992-7934. Anyone donating $75 or more will receive a set of limited edition models of the original library building and the current library building as a gift while supplies last.The library is also offering a community recipe book for sale at $10 each. These are available at the front desk at the library.