Jim Thorpe's historical Dimmick Memorial Library on Broadway has partnered with the Carbon County Art League for the months of February and March in a new program.

The library began displaying various works of art for sale by local artists at the end of 2015 with a percentage of sales being donated back to the library."We are trying to highlight talent from Carbon County," said library director Mariann Kmetz.According to artist, Mary Anne Shafer, the league became involved after Kmetz contacted her."I was asked by Marianne if I, or any artist I know, would be interested in displaying art at the library. I passed this information along to the Carbon County Art League and the members were very interested in participating," Shafer said.Shafer's work includes an oil depiction of a Venetian balcony above the check-out desk.In addition to Shafer, league members Wayne Yurchak and Cheryl Popek also have work on display."This new program at the library is a great opportunity to promote art in our area, to get others interested in working with art, and to help support the library through sales of our work," said Shafer."It's better to have stuff where people can see it, instead of sitting in someone's living room where no one can see it," said Kmetz.Several of Yurchak's acrylic paintings are hung throughout the library priced between $125 for his "Midnight Mass" up to $150 for his "Pelican Sunset.""I got involved with the library when I heard of their new program through the Carbon County Art League. I think this type of ongoing project benefits everyone involved," he said. "I get to show my art for a period of two months, and the library benefits because they receive 20 percent of all sales. The library patrons get to enjoy the changing artwork on otherwise bare walls.""It's important because it exposes people, especially kids to different kinds of art," said Kmetz.The program will continue as long as there is interest from artists and the public. The pieces will be switched every two months."We will take any art from any medium," said Kmetz.The next exhibit will be arranged March 14 by the Palmerton Photography Club, which will be displaying various works.Anyone wishing to display their work may contact Kmetz at

dimmickmemoriallibrary@gmail.com.