In the adult fiction section of the Tamaqua Public library, readers can find mysteries, romance and science fiction books. They can also find a tarp draped over a bookshelf so the books don’t get ruined by water from the leaking roof.

The library is raising funds to replace the roof on its 50-year-old building - total cost: $138,750.

“We need it to essentially save the library,” said Mary Linkevich, president of the Tamaqua Public Library Board of Trustees.

A contractor recently told the library that an emergency roof replacement is the only way to protect the library collection, as well as the patrons and staff.

The roof replacement is expected to begin in the next two months. Staff expect that the library will be able to stay open throughout construction.

The leaks are the result of the slow deterioration of the roof, but this winter it became clear the project was urgently needed.

“It’s to the point where we are in dire need of this project. It just can’t wait,” said Melissa Hess, a library clerk.

The tarp doesn’t show the full extent of the damage. In the attic of the library, there are buckets and plastic tubs which catch water coming through the roof.

The library staff have been able to protect the collection for the most part - only two books had to be thrown out - but they worry that the damage could get progressively worse.

“On a day like this when it’s raining, all I can think about is that roof, if it’s dripping, and are all those books safe,” Linkevich said.

The library board recently added new members, and they are transitioning to a new director. They want to continue the library’s mission of promoting literacy in the community into the future.

They have new programs and services planned, but it could all be threatened if the building is compromised by roof leaks.

“We have a new board of directors, a new vision for the library, and the pressing need is a new roof, and we are committed to having it completed,” Linkevich said.

Donations for the library roof fundraiser, hosted by the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership, can be made online at https://tacp.networkforgood.com/projects/155022-new-roof-for-the-library.