Mrs. Dorothy G. Allen of Middlefield has been named the 2014 recipient of the prestigious Chapman Award. Each year, the Geauga County Library Foundation bestows this award on an individual who, through his or her actions, has best promoted the interests of reading and books.
Several years after retiring from Mr. Coffee, where she had been Vice President of Sales Administration, Dorothy became active with the East Geauga Friends of the Library and served as treasurer for 20 years. With her guidance and dedication, book sales increased so successfully that when the plans for the new Middlefield Library were underway, the Friends had earned enough to provide the funds for their book sale rooms and the library’s beautiful stained glass window. In the ten years since the new Middlefield Library opened, Dorothy has overseen the daily operation of the book sale, the success of which she credits entirely to the commitment of her volunteers. Dorothy is a steadfast presence in her beloved library, and an inspiration to all who have the privilege to work with her. Dorothy is also responsible for commissioning King Sculpture in Colorado for the statues of the children in front of Middlefield Library. There is no question that this extraordinary nonagenarian’s influence and presence have made the Middlefield Library a warm and welcoming haven for readers of all ages.
Dorothy is also an active member of the Middlefield Methodist Church where she served as financial secretary for fifteen years and assisted with the installation of its first computer system. She was a housing officer for Middlefield Village for ten years, a long-time member of Kiwanis, and the treasurer of the Center Stage theatre group directed by Dave Thomas. Dorothy is currently an advisory trustee of the Middlefield Historical Society.
The widow of Edgar L. Allen, Dorothy has one son, Bruce; two grandsons, Sean and Mark; and two great-grandchildren, Lucas and Zoe. Her son and grandchildren all live on the West Coast.
Dorothy Allen will receive her Chapman Award from the Geauga County Library Foundation at a reception in her honor Wednesday, October 15, 2014.
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