Many who live in the area served by the Pell City Library will receive a special letter in the coming days, asking them to “imagine.”

“Imagine the child who doesn’t have books at home, coming to your library with an endless supply,” said Karen Barwick, chairman for the Pell City Library Guild’s Resource Committee. “Or imagine the student who doesn’t have a computer at home to use, being able to use one of the number of computers available at your library.”

These reasons and many more are why the Guild is asking you to find a way to support the Guild’s efforts to raise money for library books, computers, services and programs that enrich lives and the Pell City community.

For 10 years now, Guild members have worked to supply funding for the library, Barwick said, and this year, the effort is even more critical.

“Although taxpayer support provides most of the operating budget, it doesn’t fully cover the outstanding programs and services provided through the year,” she said. “The library, along with other departments, is expecting a shortage of funds from city and state. This is happening at a time when more and more people are using the library due to the economic hard times, for job hunting, using the computers, and checking out books. Besides, it’s just a fun place to hang out.”

The Guild has set a goal of $50,000 for the 2009 Annual Fund.

“The Pell City Library serves a population of approximately 25,000 people,” Barwick said.

For several years, there has been an effort to build a new facility as the present library is running out of room.

“We’re buying more and more e-books because of that,” she said.

The Pell City library Guild formed in 1993 and currently, there are 105 members. It provides money for anything from books and computers, to furnishings and supporting programs held at no charge for the public.

The Guild meets September through May, on the second Thursday of the month at the library at 5:30 p.m. Dues are $15 per year for members.

The Pell City Library hosts its Wild and Wonderful Wednesdays Series, which includes a variety of entertaining and educational programs held the third Wednesday of each month at noon. Programs range from local authors, entertainers and special speakers to musical groups.

There are two Adult Book Clubs, a Writer's Group, various educational classes and an Interlibrary Loan Service. The library also offers free computer use for the public.

The letter asks for further support from the community to continue providing library needs. Donations may be mailed to The Pell City Library Guild, inc., P.O. Box 1672, Pell City, 35125.

“Each year, additional funding is sought to support and enhance the library’s mission of building a stronger community by providing life-long learning opportunities for everyone,” Barwick said.

“A library can be a place where you can imagine writing your own novel, it can be a place to trace your family heritage,” said Guild publicity chairperson Nicole Anderson. “Imagine all this and more with your gifts to the Pell City Library.”