The Newark Public Library announced the appointment of Jeffrey Trzeciak as Director of the Library, effective February 27, 2017. 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.
“The Newark Public Library is a key player in our focus on literacy and neighborhood development and we look forward to Jeffrey’s contributions to the exciting work we are doing here,” said Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “I’m also delighted that Jeffrey and his husband will be living in Newark and we wholeheartedly welcome them.”
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. While at Washington University, he initiated the award-winning ‘Documenting Ferguson’ initiative, which began after the killing of Michael Brown and documented the protests that followed. It sought to preserve and provide access to “born digital” media captured and created by community members. Mr. Trzeciak has also created enduring partnerships; cultivated diverse, high performing staffs; acquired significant library collections; and raised millions of dollars for the libraries he has served.
“This is a new day for the Newark Public Library,” said Timothy Crist, Newark Public Library’s President of the Board. “Jeffrey brings tremendous experience engaging urban communities with libraries through his leadership and vision. We are confident that he will help Newark redefine the ‘urban public library’ for the 21st century.”
Mr. Trzeciak will oversee the Main Library, located at 5 Washington Street in Newark, and its seven community branches. A dynamic leader, Mr. Trzeciak will be charged with advancing its significant initiatives, including creating partnerships within the greater Newark cultural and educational community; building a diverse, high performing staff; developing the Library’s recently announced digitization projects and Philip Roth Personal Library; and supporting the Library’s fundraising efforts.
“Newark is most fortunate to have Jeffrey assume this position. I worked with him on ‘Documenting Ferguson’ and have seen firsthand his commitment to social justice, community and diversity,” said Makiba Foster, Assistant Chief Librarian at The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. “Jeffrey’s passion, compassion and talent are just what libraries like the Newark Public Library need to move into the future.”
“I feel everything I have done thus far in my career has led me to this position,” said Mr. Trzeciak. “I am excited that I will be working and living in Newark and look forward to collaborating with the Mayor’s office and community officials, the Library’s Board of Trustees, the City’s arts and cultural community and the Library’s staff and supporters. I am confident that together we can make the Newark Public Library the greatest possible institution to serve the people of Newark.”
