The Hasan Family Foundation recently donated $935 to the Auraria Library, which serves the University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State College of Denver and the Community College of Denver, to purchase 13 books on Islamic art and architecture. The donation was made in hopes that the books will help educate the general public about Islam and its culture.

The charitable organization supports Islamic and South Asian art and culture, education, health sciences, technology and performing arts. Facilitating the gift was Hasan family member Aliya Hasan, MD, assistant professor of gastroenterology at the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine.

"When I saw that the Auraria Library was looking for donations, I asked them if they would be interested in us buying them books that had to do with Islam or its culture, because I thought it would be something good for the Foundation to do," said Aliya Hasan, the first in her family to learn about Auraria Library's Adopt a Title program. "They were interested, and came up with a list of books for us, and so we purchased them."

Dr. Hasan's mother, Seeme Hasan, chairwoman of the Foundation, stated: "The Hasan Family Foundation believes strongly in supporting two causes: education in health care and education on American Muslims. We are always looking for Muslim-related projects to fund. After 9/11, it's even more important that we promote a positive image of Islam and show that many Muslims do good things, right here in Colorado. We hope we can help others embrace the opportunity to learn about our culture starting with these books."

Last year the library received $18,028 from 43 donors to buy 86 titles. In 2006, the campaign brought in $10,713 from 33 donors to buy 50 titles.

The library kicks off the Adopt a Title campaign at the beginning of each year, but anyone can participate at any time. For more information on the Adopt a Title program, please visit: http://library.auraria.edu/development/wishlists/.