Library Executive Director Stepping Down

Bethlehem Area Public Library Executive Director Janet Fricker has resigned her post, library officials announced this week.

The Library's Board of Trustees accepted her resignation Monday. The board will be starting a search for a new director shortly, according to a library news release.

Fricker, who was hired in 2008 after former Director Jack Berk retired, is moving to Maine to be closer to her family, the release said. She will stay on as director until Nov. 8 to “ensure a smooth transition,” the release said.

Fricker added new programs and services, including Pennsylvania's first library vending machine, installed in the Hanover Township Community Center, allowing BAPL patrons to borrow books and DVDs 7 days a week. The library also began lending out ebooks under her leadership.

Fricker also encouraged the BAPL Board of Trustees to take on a capital building campaign, Room to Grow, to expand services for children and families.  

Under Fricker's tenure a new roof, a second elevator, and a high-tech community room were added at the Main Library on Church Street. Offices were relocated to clear the space for the future Children's Center on the second floor. The second phase of Room to Grow restored the historic South Side Branch as a cherished neighborhood library.

“Fricker has done an excellent job as library director, and the board wishes her the very best as she enters this next phase of her life,” said library Board of Trustees President Kathy Weil.