ALLENTOWN, PA — On September 27, 2018, the Allentown Arts Commission will recognize The LGBT Library at Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center with their prestigious Arts Ovation Award for Outstanding Achievement in Literary Arts.  The awards will be presented on September 27th at the Renaissance Hotel in Allentown.

Since opening in April 2016, The LGBT Library at Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center has built a collection of more than 2,000 library materials celebrating LGBT history, literature, and culture with an average of 5% of its collection out on circulation at any given time. The library’s catalog has been made available online allowing users to search for availability for a book before visiting. As a small, community-based, professionally-staffed library, Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center hosts book talks with visiting authors and intergenerational community book discussions in partnership with Lehigh University’s Digital Humanities Initiative.

“To see the dedication Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center has given to Allentown and the literary arts shows us that our community has a very deep rich soul,” said Jane Heft, Allentown Arts Commission.” said Jane Heft, Commissioner, Allentown Arts Commission and Chair of Arts Ovation.

“The sheer volume of LGBT literature we offer, combined with library programs that engage the community with the books doesn’t exist anywhere else in our community. Community members are always excited when they explore our library collection and when they get the opportunity to meet LGBT authors and engage with each other in discussion around a good book.” said Kathleen Kapila, Librarian at Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center.

Adrian Shanker, Executive Director, Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center added, “From the beginning, Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center has been committed to frequent, high-quality programs that celebrate the vibrancy of our community. The LGBT Library at Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center has quickly become a leader in LGBT literary programs in our community and on behalf of our organization, we are so appreciative to the Allentown Arts Commission for this incredible recognition.”

About Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center:

Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center provides arts, health, youth, and pride programs to strengthen and support the LGBT community across the Greater Lehigh Valley.