Montclair Public Library Director Passes Torch

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair Public Library’s Board of Trustees has unanimously chosen Peter Coyl as the successor to library director David Hinkley, who retired at the end of 2016 after a decade at the helm.

Library trustees announced their choice earlier this month, and provided the following biography for Coyl:

“Mr. Coyl is currently a senior librarian with the Dallas Public Library, which he has served since 2011. His diverse background includes managing an international school library in Taiwan and, prior to his library career, work as a staff member of the Oregon Legislative Assembly. Coyl receive his undergraduate degree from Oakland University in Michigan and his master of science in library and information science from Drexel University. His library career began as a bookmobile driver in Rochester Hills, Michigan, ensuring, as he likes to note, that he has had the full range of professional library experiences.”

Library trustees stated in a joint release that they were impressed by Coyl's knowledge of the field and his enthusiasm for libraries, as well as his experience in personnel management, program planning and evaluation, and budgeting and finance.

In a personal statement, Coyl described his “passion for encouraging learning through reading and developing community through outreach and collaborative programs,” trustees stated.

Coyl serves as chair of the GLBT Round Table of the American Library Association and as a member of the Intellectual Freedom Committee of the Texas Library Association.

“I am excited about the impact that I know Mr. Coyl will have on our library and our town, and I would like to thank the members of the Director Search Committee for their efforts,” Trustee President Wilfred Adkins said.

Photo: Montclair Public Library

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