Bethlehem Area Public Library board announced recently it's hired a new executive director.

In a press release, BAPL President Kathy Weil announced Josh Berk, a Bethlehem native, will take over Jan. 2. Berk has 15 years of experience in public library organization and management and served as Director of the Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity for the past two years.

Berk has worked as a consultant for the Allentown library and has degrees in political science from Drew University and library science from the University of Pittsburg. He is also the author of several young adult and children's books.

"We are confident that Josh Berk will be an excellent executive director, continuing the library's long tradition of bringing exceptional library service to its users in the Lehigh Valley," said Weil. "The board of trustees looks forward to welcoming him to the Bethlehem Area Public Library."

Berk is the son of two librarians, both retired. His mother was director of Reeves Library, Moravian College. His father was Director of Bethlehem Area Public Library for 35 years. Berk is "looking forward to creating new opportunities and partnerships for the Bethlehem Area Public Library."

In an email, Berk said while taking over the directorship is professionally fulfilling, because of his family connection with the library he also has a personal connection with it and is passionate about seeing it thrive.

"I'm excited to come on at a time where the library is expanding its offerings to young people; I was a children's librarian before I was an administrator and am a big fan of youth and teen services in libraries," Berk explained.

"I also feel strongly about library outreach. I think the BAPL does a great job of reaching out to the whole service area, with bookmobile and other service, as well as that really cool vending machine in Hanover Township

"But what I like best is probably the people who work there - I know many of them already and it's really a great group."

As for future projects or programs, Berk said his first order of business is to simply listen to the needs and desires of the community and let a conversation shape the library's direction in the near future.

Berk replaces Janet Fricker, who as executive director since 2008, introduced the "Room to Grow" expansion, improved facilities and more versatile borrowing times and available materials. She helped develop the upcoming Children's Center on the main branch's second floor and an extensive renovation at the Southside branch.

Fricker resigned prior to a move to Maine to be with family.