It takes quite the financial wherewithal to keep the shelves at the Hay River Centennial Library stocked with the latest and greatest in terms of reading material.

That's why the library is once again holding its annual Christmas Book Appeal with the goal of raising around $10,000 to help purchase new titles of all sorts.

Head librarian Christine Gyapay said the goal amount is what's hoped for, but the total fluctuates each year.

"Last year wasn't as successful as the year before, for example," she said.

All funds raised will go toward buying brand new titles and Gyapay said that's because plenty of authors will publish new material every year.

"Libraries are constantly changing because there is material that will become old and outdated," she said. "History books generally don't go out of date, but when it comes to fiction or non-fiction, there are always new titles that can be purchased."

There isn't a specific theme of books the library will purchase with the money, Gyapay added, with all genres being considered.

"Fiction, non-fiction, children's books, adults, all genres and all ages," she said. "You have to be current and stay up-to-date and that's important to us."

The appeal started in late October and while the name indicates that's a fundraiser just for the holidays, Gyapay said people can continue to donate even after Christmas passes.

"We don't have a specific deadline per se," she said. "The new year is typically when our appeal ends, but if someone decides they'd like to give in January, we certainly won't decline any donation."

If you wish to donate to the appeal, you can do so by calling the library at 867-874-6484 and arrange a way to give.