The Bethlehem Area Public Library 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 and marketing specialist Kate Racculia, and Amy Miller Cohen, widow of Bob Cohen, by club President Cheryl Baker and Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen 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,” Berk said. “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.

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