The Bethlehem Area Public Library was transformed into a lovely Parisian setting for a fundraiser on April 25. The Friends of the Library raised nearly $13,000 for the library.

This is the Friends’ third fundraising event and the theme, April in Paris, resonated with the 140 guests. As the guests sipped champagne from glasses etched with the Eiffel Tower for the occasion, they were treated with mouth-watering crepes from Cachette, sumptuous hors d’oeuvres from Apollo Grill, and a delicious selection of cheese from The Cheese Shop at Seasons. A signature French martini made with vodka, Chambord (black raspberry liqueur) and pineapple juice was also enjoyed.

The space used for the event was the former home of the children’s collection which moved upstairs a year ago with the completion of the new Frances Barnard Children’s Center. The first floor space will be renovated into a public meeting room for concerts, seminars, literary events, and the like later this year. The program area will be named the Bob Cohen Room in memory of his generous bequest and tireless advocacy for the library. For the event, the room featured a grand Eiffel Tower, trees with twinkling lights, lamp posts, and artwork reminiscent of Paris.

The Friends Board is particularly grateful to The Philadelphia Trust Company for being the event sponsor. Major sponsors were Buckno Lisicky & Co., Cachette, King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul, MB Levis & Associates, The Restaurant Store, and Sharon and Ron Yoshida. Also sponsoring were Apollo Grill, BAPL Board of Trustees, Bethlehem Historic District Association, The Cheese Shop at Seasons, Fab Lab at NCC, Diane LaBelle and Norman Girardot, HGSK, Historic Hotel Bethlehem, Leiser’s Rentals, Rich Mar Florist, Sahl Communications, and Sam’s Club.

Friends of the Library board members are Robert Blum, Elyse Geyer, Hillary Kwiatek, Diane LaBelle, Deni Thurman-Eyer, Sonja Walker, and Sharon Yoshida. Additionally, Rebecca Wendahl worked with Sharon Yoshida on the silent auction. To become a member of the Friends, phone 610-867-3761 x259 or visit http://www.bapl.org/librarysupport/supporthome.htm.