MONTCLAIR, NJ — Janet Torsney has been named Interim Director of the Montclair Public Library, effective February 22. Her appointment comes after the previous Director, Peter Coyl, stepped down on December 17 to lead the Sacramento Public Library system in California.
A library professional since 2008, Torsney has served in leadership positions in New Jersey libraries for over a decade, including Interim Director of Caldwell Public Library; Assistant Director of Montclair Public Library; and Director of Bradley Beach Public Library, Keyport Free Public Library, and Brielle Public Library. During her previous tenure at Montclair Public Library (2017-2018), she managed successful collaborations including with the Montclair Literary Festival; upgraded collections, services, and programs at the Bellevue Avenue Branch; created community-wide reads and expanded book clubs; secured grants for Summer of Shakespeare and Great America Read; and was responsible for all aspects of patron services.
“I am delighted to be back. This is a great library that supports and reflects a truly great town,” says Torsney. “I look forward to working with our outstanding staff, committed board, and the rest of the community to make the Montclair Public Library better than ever.”
Torsney spent most of her childhood as a Montclair resident. As an adult, she once again called Montclair home from 1992 to 2010, raising two daughters during that time. She currently resides in Asbury Park with her husband.
Torsney is the current President of the NJ Library Association’s Administration and Management section, and she received an NJLA Service Award in 2017. Prior to entering the library field, she worked in public affairs and communications for almost 30 years. She holds an M.S. in Library Science from Rutgers University and a B.A. from Georgetown University.