As twilight began to settle over the Borough of Coplay Tuesday, Michele Gruber and Jane Gillespie waited outside St. John's Lutheran Church.

Less than 15 minutes earlier, the polls for the 2013 primary election had closed. Inside the building at 18 S. Third St., poll workers were tallying the votes.

In addition to selecting candidates for Coplay council and mayor, Whitehall-Coplay School Board and Lehigh County offices, voters were asked whether they were willing to pay a dedicated 0.38-mill tax in order to save the Coplay Public Library.

At last, about an hour later, a man and a woman emerged from the church with the results. Gruber and Gillespie squealed with excitement. In this district, at least, the results were positive.

By a tally of 206-117, voters approved paying $38 for every $10,000 in assessed value in order to keep the library open. The Coplay homeowner with the average $141,000 assessment will pay $53.58 for the library in addition to other real estate taxes.

The results from Coplay's second and only other district – the fire hall on Cherry Street – were similar. The library won there by a vote of 208-99, making the final unofficial tally 414 yes to 216 no.

"We are deeply grateful to the voters in Coplay for passing this referendum, which will allow our staff to continue their excellent work at the library," said library board President Natalie Reichl in a prepared statement. "We are thankful to the many people who helped us with this effort: our director, co-director and staff; the many organizations in town who contributed to our cause; the political action committee who gave their time, effort, and expertise; the many residents who constantly encouraged us; and the Whitehall library, who guided us all the way with resources, materials and kindness."

It was a long day for Reichl, who had been at the polls when they opened at 7 a.m. She was still there when they closed at 8 p.m.

As 7 p.m. approached, Reichl – who was not at the church when the poll workers emerged with the results – said she was optimistic but guarded about the election outcome. Volunteers had not asked people how they voted. However, many responded enthusiastically and positively when given bookmarks with the slogan, "Save your library. Vote yes. Coplay library referendum May 21."

"A lot of people said, 'definitely,'" Reichl said.

As they waited for the last few voters to arrive before the polls closed, Reichl and library board members Gruber and Karen Shields joked about going to one of the homes across the street and asking to take a quick shower.

As voters trickled in, Gruber continued to hand out bookmarks. Shields showed off her dog, Mollie, a 7-year-old cocker spaniel who broke her back as a puppy six years ago. With a cart supporting her back legs, Mollie wore a bandanna with the saying, "Save the library."

"I'm actually having fun," Reichl said. "It's been enjoyable talking to the gang down here. I just wish it was a little cooler. But at least it didn't rain."