If you stop by the Dimmick Memorial Library in Jim Thorpe, you might notice something different: New artwork scattered throughout the library's main floor.

The library is hosting an ongoing art show featuring local artists or artists with local themes. The first exhibit, running now through the middle of January, will feature Edward Benjamin, the author of "The Architectural Heritage of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania."Benjamin has 16 pieces displayed at the library, with an additional 70 on site to be rotated as pieces are purchased. Proceeds from each sale will benefit the library."I've wanted to feature local artists since I started here," said Mariann Kmetz, the director of the Dimmick Memorial Library. "Art is often referring to literature. Art, music and literature - they all seem to fall together."Benjamin currently lives in Syracuse but visits the Jim Thorpe area several times a year. He has family ties to the area, and while growing up in a small town near Scranton, he would come to Carbon County to visit family members.As a child, his most lasting impression of Mauch Chunk was one of pre-revival. After returning to the area in the 1990s, he was surprised by the turnaround the town had taken.As a retired architect and self-taught artist, he was inspired to begin documenting the town's history and transformation, which led to the self-publishing of his book in 2011.Many of the pieces on display are linked to the book, and nearly all of the 8-inch by 10-inch pencil and ink drawings feature homes throughout Jim Thorpe.Benjamin particularly enjoys focusing on homes that are tucked off the main roads."Unless you lived there, you might not even know that these homes existed," he said.Other pieces feature well-known homes and buildings, or views of the town's prominent railroad.Benjamin's work will continue to be displayed through Jan. 14. The library's next show will begin Jan. 15 and feature works from the Carbon County Art League.Artists interested in taking part in the gallery are encouraged to contact library staff. Individuals may host their own two-month show if they have a significant portfolio to display, or they may partner with other artists."We want people to come in and see what local artists have to offer. The library is centrally located and easily accessible," said Kmetz. "We want people, especially kids, to see artwork that was done locally and think, 'I'm going to give that a try.' We want this to inspire people."The Dimmick Memorial Library is located at 54 Broadway in Jim Thorpe.