Longtime Newark Public Library Director Announces Plans to Retire

Wilma Grey, Director of the Newark Public Library, has announced her plan to retire later this year after 46 years of service at the library.

“Wilma has been a passionate and tireless advocate for the Library, and we are grateful for her years of dedicated service and inspired leadership,” stated Timothy Crist, President of the Library Board of Trustees. “[Grey] is the consummate librarian, always focused on helping others whether she is providing reference services, expanding young adult programs, or managing the community branch libraries. She has made an extraordinary contribution not only to the Library but to the City of Newark.”

According to a release, Grey, a Newark native, joined the Library staff in 1969, after graduating from Howard University and working for two years at Boston University’s School of Education. She received her Master of Library Science degree from Rutgers University. During her tenure at the Library she provided literacy programs for children and adults, introduced services for sight and hearing impaired patrons, and expanded the Library’s outreach to diverse cultural and ethnic groups. She also oversaw the renovation and refurbishment of eight neighborhood branches.

Grey has held the post of library director since 2005.

Grey is a board member of several organizations in Newark and New Jersey, including the Newark Black Film Festival Committee, the New Jersey Center for the Book, Newark 350 Celebration, Inc., and the Advisory Board of the Jewish Museum of New Jersey. She has also served as a trustee of The Newark Arts Council, the Newark Literacy Campaign and the South Orange Public Library.

“I am incredibly lucky to have found a career that sustained and challenged me for so many years in the City that I have always loved,” Grey stated.

“I’ve met fascinating and wonderful people during my time at the Newark Public Library, and I have been privileged to work with and learn from a dedicated and talented staff. I will miss my colleagues greatly, but I am excited about embarking on a brand new personal adventure. I am also very happy that the Newark Public Library has a full complement of engaged, forward-thinking Trustees who will make sure that the Library is a strong community anchor for many years to come.”

The Newark Public Library is planning an event in the fall to honor and celebrate Grey’s decades of service to the library and the city.

Photo caption: Newark Public Library Director Wilma Grey and Board of Trustees Vice President Trish Morris-Yamba attend the opening reception for “The Newark Public Library: 125 Years of Innovation and Service.”