Wanted: A library in Nesquehoning.

On Wednesday, resident Joshua Ambrose-Manness approached Nesquehoning Borough Council to speak about creating a library in the borough.

“I would like to formally start a library board,” he said, noting it would be a nonprofit to allow for grants.

“According to Pew Research, 95% of Americans ages 16 and older agree that the materials and resources available at public libraries play an important role in giving everyone a chance to succeed,” Ambrose-Manness said, adding that in addition to library services, the organization could provide a place for gathering, for help for those without internet access and more.

He said that there are also some residents who would donate books if a library could be started.

Borough solicitor Robert Yurchak said that the state determined Dimmick Library is the supporting library for Nesquehoning, so a new library could not be supported by council since funding from the borough goes to support Dimmick.

“Honestly, to open up a library on its own, it’s not going to happen not unless you build all your stuff,” Yurchak said.

Council suggested Ambrose-Manness reach out to Dimmick officials to see if they could help create a satellite library or even the little libraries, where small book cases are placed throughout a municipality and acts as a library to take a book, give a book.

Dimmick has several of these cases throughout Jim Thorpe, and they are utilized by residents.

Councilwoman Mary Fox said that Meeds United Methodist Church is also discussing beginning a take a book, leave a book site, so she suggested also reaching out to the church’s pastor.