The Dimmick Memorial Library continues to find ways to bring library events and services to the community while following COVID-19 restrictions.

For their latest idea, the library hopes to partner with businesses to hold educational events online. It’s seeking businesses from around the area, particularly in Jim Thorpe and the Penn-Kidder area that are interested in promoting themselves, and educating library patrons in the process.

“We’re hoping to team up with businesses to do online classes, to share some of their useful information with our patrons,” said Kara Edmonds, director of the Dimmick Memorial Library.

Businesses that are interested in partnering are encouraged to contact the library. The programs could be a chance for businesses to get exposure in the community, while providing services for library patrons, Edmonds said.

Before the pandemic, the library was a meeting place for businesses and organizations. The online programs are a way to continue that role as a community hub and help them following a difficult year for everyone.

“The library is uniquely positioned to help businesses and other nonprofits as well as individuals, because we’re a meeting place for those entities,” Edmonds said.

The library is still operating with minimal in-person visitors. Patrons are encouraged to reserve books online and pick up on the library porch. Some library services like computers are still available by appointment, and public Wi-Fi is still available.

The library continues to expand services that are accessible from a computer or phone.

Users can access thousands of e-books and audiobooks online through dimmicklibrary.org. Patrons don’t even have to visit the library to sign up for a card; they are available through the website as well.

Some services don’t even require a library card. Dimmick has recently taken children’s story time online on its Facebook. Families can tune in and see a recorded story and craft at the Dimmick Memorial Library Facebook page.

The website also has links to study resources for students, job search tools for people seeking employment and ancestry.com for genealogical research, all offered through the Lehigh-Carbon Library Cooperative.

Beginning drivers seeking their learner’s permit can even take practice tests through the library website.

The library relies on local support to sustain many of its programs, not only at Dimmick but also at the Penn-Kidder library, which became a branch of the Dimmick Memorial Library last year. It is currently running a GoFundMe to support its local operations at https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/support-your-dimmick-memorial-and-penn-kidder-libraries. Library supporters can also donate directly through the website, or mail a donation to the library at 54 Broadway, Jim Thorpe 18229. Donations can even be specified for use at the Penn-Kidder branch.

Businesses interested in partnering with the library can contact Edmonds at 570-325-2131, or email dimmickmemoriallibrary@gmail.com.