Leah Wagner, Assistant Director, Monroe Township Library

NJLA Experience

Executive Board Member-at-Large

• 2015-present
• 2009-2012
• 1993-1996

Public Policy Committee 

• 2012-present
• Chair 2013-2014

Publications Sub-Committee

• Chair, 2002-present

NJLA Newsletter Editorial Board

Administration Section

• Member-at Large 1999-2001

Public Relations Committee

• Chair 1997-1998

League of Municipalities Committee

Children’s Services Section

• President
• Treasurer

Garden State Children’s Book Award Committee

NJLA Statement

Libraries are vibrant and dynamic places in our communities. The community may be a town, city, school or university. Each library has its own specific clientele with a multitude of interests and needs. Meeting these needs is a challenge that NJLA takes on willingly.

Libraries are an integral part of the communities they serve. The role of the library continues to evolve and the list of challenges facing libraries whether public, academic or school, continues to grow. New Jersey libraries have faced damaging fiscal challenges; some struggle to keep their doors open. The loss of school media centers has had a measurable negative impact on students’ academic success. Assaults on privacy and confidentiality continue and need to be questioned. Yet, at the same time, Libraries in New Jersey continue to provide invaluable and essential services to their populations. These are all issues I have been involved in through my work in NJLA.

NJLA has always been at the forefront, promoting New Jersey libraries in both good times and difficult times. NJLA has provided me an opportunity to grow and contribute to a profession I care deeply about. As NJLA President I look forward to continuing NJLA’s mission, furthering the Association’s pursuit of stable funding options for libraries and assist the membership in navigating these challenging and shifting times.

Education

• Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, M.L.S.
• Trenton State College, Ewing, NJ, B.S. Elementary Education and Associate Media Specialist

Library Experience

Monroe Township Public Library, 1989-present

• Assistant Director and Youth Services Coordinator

Ocean County Library

Professional Activities

Infolink Executive Board

• Member-at-Large, 1993-1996

LSCA Advisory Council, 1992-1996

Public Library Association

• Services to Youth and their Parents Committee, 1998-2002

New Jersey Children’s Guidelines Committee, 2002

Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Service

Membership Committee, 2015-present