After 2 1/2 years leading the charge at Newark Public Library, Jeffrey Trzeciak has announced that he will no longer serve as director of the library, effective November 15. Jeffrey will now take on a new position as director of the Jersey City Free Public Library. A distinguished librarian, Mr. Trzeciak has spent his entire career in urban library settings and joins the Library from Washington University in St. Louis, where he served as University Librarian. After a comprehensive national search to find an individual with the experience and vision necessary to propel the Library forward, the Newark Public Library’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved his appointment and announced his new roll in February of 2017.
Over the course of his 30-year career, marked by innovation and collaboration, Jeffrey has been a champion of civil rights and social justice, particularly in the African American, Hispanic and LGBTQ communities.
“Michael and I want to thank everyone for their encouragement, support and friendship during our time here in Newark,” Jeffrey said. “We are looking forward to living and working in our newly adopted home of Jersey City.”
Mr. Trzeciak received the Recognition Award from the New Jersey Association of Library Assistants in 2018. This honor indicates that he encourages and supports participation in career development or activities for library assistants in NJ, proving his commitment to the Newark Public Library staff. Jeffrey will take up the reigns in Jersey City behind Priscilla Gardner, who recently retired after 50 years of service.
During his tenure at Newark Public Library, Mr. Trzeciak advanced significant initiatives such as:
- creating partnerships within the greater Newark cultural and educational community
- building a diverse, high-performing staff
- developing the Library’s digitization projects and Philip Roth Personal Library
- supporting the Library’s fundraising efforts.
In the past few years, under the leadership of Jeffrey Trzeciak, the Newark Public Library has elevated its offerings to the community at the seven community branches, the main library, and off-site throughout the community. The spectrum of programming has spanned from free dance parties throughout the summer, know as the Friday Library Music Sessions with DWILD Music Radio, Hot Cuban night with live music, hand-rolled cigars from Jimenez Tobacco, and Drag Queen Story Hour with Harmonica Sunbeam.
The past year has also seen the grand opening of the new James Brown African-American Room, a Whodunnit Mystery Dinner, the grand opening of the Newark LGBT Community Center, and the partnership with Newark Public Schools for Library Card Sign-up Month to provide library cards to approximately 45,000 Newark Public School students and educators.
The Newark Public Library will celebrate another year of service to the Newark community at their gala on Thursday, November 21 at Nanina’s In The Park.
