Janet Torsney Named Permanent Director At Montclair Library

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Following a nationwide search, the Montclair Public Library board of trustees has chosen a permanent library director: Janet Torsney.

Torsney has been serving as the interim director since taking the reins from Peter Coyl, who stepped down from the seat to lead the Sacramento Public Library system in California in December.

According to a news release from the library:

“The search process attracted a wide range of candidates from nearby and across the country with varying degrees of expertise. This reflected the esteem with which Montclair is known and the respect the MPL commands for its long-standing service. The initial field of applicants was narrowed to a diverse field of seventeen candidates that a search firm believed met not only the qualifications but also demonstrated a keen understanding of the values of this community and an apparent commitment to serve at length. After a more extensive review of their credentials, seven candidates were selected for interview by an MPL search committee, comprised of Will Atkins, chair, Diana Lunin, JoAnn McCullough, and later Marcos Vargas. The two candidates that emerged from this process were interviewed by the entire trustee board. At the culmination of this highly competitive process, the board selected Janet Torsney as the new director.”

Library administrators said Torsney comes to the role with a “strong familiarity with Montclair,” as well as stellar qualifications:

“Earlier in her career, she served as Assistant Director of the MPL and recently provided leadership as Interim Director during the search process. These experiences allowed the Trustees to not only consider her qualifications as an applicant but also to witness her work firsthand. The Trustees are excited about giving her the opportunity to continue the work she started in February and share her vision of a library that is innovative and willing to engage new services. During the interview process, the Trustees experienced her as a strategic thinker and a warm and engaging personality who has also resonated with the staff and the community. Recognizing that the Director of the library plays a critical role in working with Township leaders, the Board is confident that she will be viewed as a valued colleague. The Board looks to draw upon her considered experience in budgeting and finance. Janet's strong background in personnel management also positions her to work effectively in program planning and evaluation.”

Administrators continued:

“Torsney has served as a library professional since 2008, spanning several communities, including Caldwell, Bradley Beach, Keyport, and the Brielle public libraries. Previously she worked in public affairs and communications for nearly 30 years. Torsney is distinguished as a recipient of the NJ Library Association Service Award in 2017, and was president of the Association's Administration and Management section. She holds an M.S. in Library Science from Rutgers University and a B.A. from Georgetown University.”

“Montclair is a great town,” Torsney said. “I look forward to working with the staff and the Board to assure that the Public Library does everything possible to support Montclair and its outstanding community.”

Torsney said she is aware of the scrutiny that libraries often face, and will help the Montclair Public Library be a “responsible interlocutor” with the community.

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