BETHLEHEM AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY RECEIVES HARTMANN-HANSEN COMMUNITY GRANT FROM ROTARY CLUB OF BETHLEHEM MORNING STAR
BAPL Press Release 6-21-18
(Bethlehem, PA) -- The Bethlehem Area Public Library (BAPL) is pleased to announce it is the 2018 recipient of the Charlotte & Tore Hartmann-Hansen Community Grant, presented by the Rotary Club of Bethlehem Morning Star. The grant award of $2,500 will support the renovation of the Bob Cohen Room at BAPL, and was presented to Library Executive Director Josh Berk, Development & Marketing Specialist Kate Racculia, and Amy Miller Cohen, widow of Bob Cohen, by Club President Cheryl Baker and Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen on Thursday, June 21.
The Cohen Room--the former children’s room on the first floor of BAPL--currently shows the wear of over 50 years of use. It is in the process of being refurbished and updated into a multi-use community room, to host concerts, lectures, meetings, plays, art galleries, workshops and other community-driven events. The room honors the memory of late Library Board member, donor, and dear friend--and dedicated Rotarian--Bob Cohen.
“We are so grateful for this generous gift,” said Berk. “With construction about to begin, it’s an exciting reminder that the Cohen Room truly is a place for the community to come together. We thank Morning Star Rotary and the Hartmann-Hansen family for helping bring the room closer to becoming a new space for the public to enjoy.”
The grant, named in recognition of Charlotte and Tore Hartmann-Hansen’s commitment, dedication, and love of Rotary, is awarded annually by the Rotary Club of Bethlehem Morning Star to continue their legacy of service and impact locally and globally.
Photo, L to R: Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen, Cheryl Baker, Josh Berk, Kate Racculia, Amy Miller Cohen
About the Bethlehem Area Public Library
On December 1, 1900 nine prominent women from Bethlehem’s north, south and west sides met to “consider the need of a Public Library in the Bethlehems and to devise methods by which it might be established.” On February 1, 1901 the doors to the free reading room and library officially opened to the public, and the Bethlehem Area Public Library has faithfully served the community since. Committed to the public good, the Library educates, informs, and inspires by providing community, engagement, and free and open access to materials and information. www.bapl.org
About the Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Club
Members of the Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Club are community and business leaders dedicated to making the world a better place, and are part of a world-wide fellowship of 1.2 million. SERVICE ABOVE SELF is Rotary's motto, and fun, fellowship and community involvement empowers them to meet this worthy goal.