Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence at Monroe Township Library
March 21, 2019 | By Mayor Gerald W. Tamburro
The Monroe Township library began with humble roots on a card table in the lower level of the municipal building on October 17, 1988. Library Director, Irene Goldberg took charge of stocking and staffing the library which officially opened to the public on April 1, 1989. In the early days, Irene ran the library with the help of Councilman Irwin Nalitt, his wife Helen and Leah Wagner, currently the library’s deputy director.
Through hard work, determination and unwavering passion on the part of many administrators and staff, the library has grown into a premier facility, not only in Monroe but throughout the County and State. Thirty years later, the library serves nearly 1,500 patrons daily, provides a variety of classes and services for all ages and a offers a circulating collection of materials in more than 13 languages.
On January 15, the Library Board of Trustees elected its executive board officers. As if written in one of the library’s hundreds of history books, Lois Nalitt Kane was unanimously chosen and will carry on her father’s legacy as Library Board president. Dr. Lillian Augustine was elected vice president; Prena Shah, secretary and Robert Isaacs, treasurer. I would like to congratulate all Board executives and thank them for their dedication to the library.
Also in January, Irene planted a time capsule containing items that illustrate the library’s transformation through the years. This ceremony kicked off a year of commemorative events that include a 1989 themed movie review in January, a 1989 trivia day in February and a birthday celebration scheduled for April 1.
It couldn’t be more appropriate for Irene to place the time capsule in the ground since she has been a dynamic leader for the library since its inception. That is why it is with heavy heart that I share the news of Irene’s impending retirement.
Irene’s ideas, insights and innovations are woven into the fabric of our beloved library and will benefit visitors for many, many years to come. We are truly grateful to Irene for all that she has done in service to the Monroe Township Library and the municipality as a whole. We wish Irene all the best in her retirement and hope she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.
I also would like to recognize Deputy Director, Leah Wagner who helped launch the fledgling library and is credited with arranging the first children’s area. Leah has accepted roles of increasing responsibility at the Monroe Township library and currently serves as president of the New Jersey Library Association. Thank you, Leah, for all of your hard work and dedication over the past three decades!
Please mark your calendar and join us for the library’s upcoming 30thanniversary events. Congratulations to everyone involved in making the Monroe Township Library a true success story. I am proud of our 30-year history and look forward to what the future will bring.