Many area libraries are feeling the pinch financially, and Jim Thorpe's Dimmick Memorial Library is a definite inclusion on that list.

John McGuire, the borough's representative on the Dimmick board of directors, said recently that without any increased funding, the library has about five years before it is faced with the possibility of having to close its doors.That being said, McGuire, also a Jim Thorpe councilman, encouraged his colleagues to think about a dedicated tax millage, potentially a tenth to two-tenths of a mill, for Dimmick during the next budget negotiations."We need our libraries but unless something changes, there are some tough decisions that will have to be made," McGuire said.Because it is a state-recognized library, Dimmick has to play by certain rules, McGuire said. They include how many staff members are required to work at one time and how much money must be spent on new books."There are just tons of rules and the last few years has seen the library's trust fund just eaten alive," he said.The state suggests local governments donate $4 per capita to their library, which would put Jim Thorpe's amount at $20,000. In its most recent budget, the borough allocated $10,000 for the library.Dimmick also serves Nesquehoning Borough, Kidder Township and Penn Forest Township."We're also going to need some help from the county and the school district," McGuire said.One avenue the trustees are looking at as a one-time revenue windfall is the sale of the Friends of the Dimmick Memorial Library House and Book Store, 58 Broadway, two doors down from the library itself.The building was constructed in 1889 for Asa Packer Blakeslee and his wife, Louisa Foster Sayre.Several real estate websites show the three-story property listed for $229,900."It's a great concept, but selling a stack of books for $1 just isn't cutting it," McGuire said. "The building has been shown a few times and offers have been made. In a best-case scenario though, it would be a Band-Aid that would get the library two extra years."Dimmick's board became more active in recent years, McGuire said, sparked by the addition of director Marianne Kmetz in March 2014. Within the past few weeks, however, Kmetz left the post to take a job in Emmaus.An advertisement for the job has been posted. Qualifications include a bachelor's degree from a four-year college or agency accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools with at least 12 credits in library science, and a provisional librarian certification."We're looking to interview candidates," McGuire said. "Right now, it is being run by nonregistered librarians."While the search for a new director moves forward, so do library activities.Recently, it shipped out 15 boxes to deployed soldiers as part of its "Love a Soldier" campaign. Community members were encouraged to donate items and money, and write letters to include in the care packages."I don't know what's going to happen," McGuire said, "but it would really be a shame to lose a great library right in the heart of our downtown."