Some will argue that public libraries are no longer relevant in today's digital world.

Diane Danielson, director of the Palmerton Area Library, did her best to dispel that notion as she spoke to members of the Palmerton Area Chamber of Commerce at a recent luncheon.As part of her presentation, Danielson gave an overview of the services the library offers, and why she believes public libraries provide tools that make them unique in today's technology-driven age.Library statisticsBased on its figures, Danielson said 47,306 people attended the library last year, up slightly from 46,942 in 2013. Of those, 33,291 were adults, while 14,051 were children, she said.Program attendance was 6,933, up significantly from 5,642 in 2013, Danielson said.Homework Helpers, held from 3-4:15 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays for grades one through eight, is a big hit, she said.About 25 students take part in the program, and are assisted by volunteer tutors who help them with their homework and other assignments, Danielson said.She noted that Palmerton Area School District sent the library copies of textbooks with teachers manuals."As far as activities, it's fun stuff going on almost every day," she said. "It makes it a place everyone wants to come to."Meanwhile, circulation was 51,781, down slightly from 53,294 in 2013, she said.However, Danielson said computer usage was up to 9,018 last year, up from 8,531 in 2013."We have six computers; if there are people waiting, then there is a 45-minute time wait on your use," she said. "The (Palmerton Area) school district requires papers to be submitted online."The money issueAs is the case with most of its contemporaries, Danielson said money is an issue.She said that the library's budget is about $200,000 per year. Of that, Danielson said 40 percent comes from the state, the Palmerton Area School District, and donations from the four supporting municipalities: Palmerton, Bowmanstown, Lower Towamensing Township and Towamensing Township.Danielson said the other 60 percent of the library's funds come from donations and fundraisers."This makes it really hard to run the library when we don't know whether or not we will receive these donations," she said. "The board of directors is working to find more creative ways to fund the library, including website sponsors and benefactors."Danielson urged those who may be approached to become a library sponsor to listen with an open mind.In the meantime, she said the Friends of the Palmerton Area Library is selling bumper stickers for $2 apiece. The stickers read "I Support Palmerton Area Library" and are available at the library, she said.State library rules and regulationsDanielson said the library board also looks for ways to cut back on spending, but the rules and regulations of the state library system make it difficult to do that.The amount and levels of funding through the state library system are determined by the size of the library and its collection, as well as the population of the service area, which is the Palmerton Area School District, she said.To continue to receive funding from the state library system, Danielson said the library must:• Be open at least 45 hours per week, seven of which must be weekend hours.• Participate in the Access Pennsylvania Statewide Library Card Program, and lend materials free of charge on a reciprocal basis to all types of libraries in the commonwealth.• Make a financial effort greater than $5 per capita for each person residing in the service area.• Expend no less than 12 percent of its operating budget on materials.• Provide free library services to all the residents of all municipalities that contribute to its support. The library cannot charge for rental of books or movies.• Provide free Internet service.• Subscribe to at least 50 periodicals (magazines and newspapers).• Maintain a collection size of books and movies of at least 18,500.Further, Danielson noted that no state funds for a library will be approved if it projects a decrease in local government support for normal, recurring, operating costs from a previous level.Danielson said the library has spoken with state Rep. Doyle Heffley about the state library system."It's just such a long arduous process that it's frustrating," she said. "Not just our library, every library."Upcoming eventsSeveral activities are scheduled for the library in the coming months, Danielson said.The Ninth Annual Art Show and Lunch will be held from noon to 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the gallery. Tickets are $6 each. Artists interested in entering their work should contact Danielson at 610-826-3424.The Annual Photography Show will be held from 2-4 p.m. March 22.An exhibit of "American Hands" by Sally Wiener Grotta with a photography program will be held at 6 p.m. April 16.New computer classes will start in the spring. Anyone interested in taking the classes should contact the library now to get their name on the waiting list for beginner classes, Office and Excel, or social media and mobile devices, as class size is limited.Revamped websiteThe library is in the process of redoing its website, which Danielson said hasn't been updated since about 2007.New online databases, such as Pronunciator, (foreign language), Ancestry, Brainfuse (a testing site), and The Morning Call archives, will be available soon and are free with a library card, she said.Danielson encouraged everyone to visit

www.palmertonarealibrary.com for more information.