Editor’s Note: Please email community news to Colette Nelson at Colettenel.ypl@gmail.com by Wednesday of each week to be included in the Youngsville News section of the Saturday Times Observer.

The Youngsville Public Library was started in 1935 and the new building in its current location opened in 2002. Over the years local libraries have had to deal with many changes in funding at the state and local level, which has created budget shortfalls. The library also does not receive any federal funding.

In order to receive any state assistance, the library must first independently raise over $27,000 each year. Because of this, yearlong fundraising has been an integral part of the library’s budget. Some of the fundraising events the

library holds include the Love Your Library Raffle, which will take place in February this year, the annual September book sale and the “Angel Tree” that happens in December.

Along with our normal “memorial donations or in honor of..” , starting this year, a “general donations form” is available at the library desk. On that form those interested can specify if they would like their donation to be used for something specific, like children’s books or large print books; utilities or office supplies; or the librarians choice.

To make giving even easier, you can now stop by the Youngsville branch of Northwest Savings Bank and donate directly to the library. Stop by during normal business hours and the staff will help with donations.

COMMUNITY NEWS

– St. Francis Episcopal Church, 343 East Main St., Youngsville, will host a Taize prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. The quiet, contemplative gatherings offer an opportunity for prayer and reflection. For more information call Vicar Joe McGarry at 814-723-9360.

– Youngsville New Life Church is having a Valentine’s Day dinner with seatings at 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at the church. The dinner is for singles, friends, couples and families, with proceeds to benefit local missions projects and the Second Street Food Pantry. The church is located at 18 Second St, Youngsville. Reserved tickets are $20 with meal choice needed by Feb. 8. Prepayment is required. For more information call 814-688-2212. Tickets are available at the church office during office hours. Menu choice includes Swiss steak or parmesan crusted chicken, salad, potato, mixed vegetables, dinner roll, beverages and a choice of ice cream or cupcake for dessert.

LIBRARY NEWS

– As a reminder of the library services: Public wifi access 24/7; high speed internet; power library reference and computer applications; computer printing, copier, scanner and faxing available with a fee; Book Club meets the second Tuesday of the month from 3 to 4 p.m.; Preschool story time is the second Tuesday of the month from 10:30 to 11 a.m.; WIFI Wednesday is the third Wednesday of the month from 4 to 5 p.m. Stop by for free help with electronic devices including iPhone, Androids and tablets. No appointment is needed.

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS

– Every Thursday, is “Bar-Bingo” at the Youngsville American Legion (10 North Main St.). Bingo starts at 6pm, and the kitchen opens at 5 p.m. Bar-Bingo is a formal term for this weekly fundraising event and is not intended to imply that bingo participants are required to sit at or near the bar area.