Library Campaign

Join us as we embark on project that will provide a new library to enhance the academic and personal achievements of students at Dar al-Kalima University.

Make A Donation

“This is a game-changer…we are distinctly positioned to create a necessary resource to enhance the lives of students now and into the future!”

– Mitri Raheb, President, Bright Stars of Bethlehem

Join us as we embark on project that will provide a new library to enhance the academic and personal achievements of students at Dar al-Kalima University. As the first of its kind, the brand new Library and Multimedia Resource Center in Palestine will have a unique focus on arts and culture, demonstrating American values for culture and education.

students-studyingThis innovative library will not only house over 25,000 books and media titles in English from primarily American authors and film makers, but will also serve as a center for students, community forums and academic research excellence between the people of the United States and Palestine. The library will create free access to information while giving equal access to men and women in promoting gender equality. This supports and informs an electorate that is key for a strong, civil and inclusive society.

The new library will also attract more American Students to come to Dar al-Kalima University. Whether they are on a study abroad, exchange programs, January or May term, or summer semester, this new space offers a way to further build mutual understanding between the people of Palestine and the people of the United States.

The new library building is being built on the Dar al-Kalima University campus, which is located on the side of Murrier Mountain, a hill on the eastern side of the Jerusalem-Hebron road.

The library will house three floors:

The first floor will be a garage for faculty, staff and visitor parking with a capacity of 26 parking spaces.
The top two floors will contain:
– 25,000 titles (books and multimedia materials)
– An open area for events
– Space for 200 people for reading and studying,
– An archive
– A room for lectures, presentations, film-screening and video-conferencing.
The total built-up area of the project is 25,883 sq. ft.

Current Progress

How You Can Help

The new library is a project in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (USAID/ASHA) provides assistance to schools, libraries and medical centers outside the United States that serve as study and demonstration centers for American ideas and practices. Bright Stars of Bethlehem was awarded a grant from USAID/ASHA for the construction of this new facility.

We are now challenged to match this grant through the generosity of our supporters. We are seeking partnerships from our donors to total $600,000.

Make A Donation

Naming Opportunities

For more information about these opportunities, or to make a gift via other means, please contact Beth Nelson Chase, Executive Director, Bright Stars of Bethlehem.

Click here for a PDF of the various naming opportunities.

5 Glass Cubicle Multi-Student Media Centers: $15,000 each

5 Self Study Enclosed/Research Areas: $15,000 each

A critical part of any library is organization. Shelving of research stacks will let students easily navigate the materials available to them. These shelves can be designated for subjects like art, music, theater, culture, sports and more.

20 Research Stacks/Shelves: $10,000 each

Provide critical working space for the leadership of the new library and resource center.

Main Office Complex: $25,000

Library Receiving Office: $25,000

Gathering together in a positive and safe learning environment are essential for the new library and resource center. Be a part of building community connections by supporting the common areas of the building.

Main Library and Community Area: $200,000

Doris Harder Heider Library Head Office: $30,000

Help preserve the rich cultural expressions of the Palestinian people by gifting the Art Archive and Exhibition Area. This home to cultural resources and materials is integral to the mission of Bright Stars of Bethlehem and the people we support in the Holy Land.

Art Archive and Exhibition Area: $100,000