​ East Brunswick Public Library Names Melissa Kuzma New Director

“When I was in high school, my mom brought me to this library for a project,” said Melissa Kuzma, the new library director of the East Brunswick Public Library. “It was so much bigger and grander than my local library; I was so impressed that I still remember it more than 30 years later. Sometimes I have to pinch myself when I think that I’m now the director of that library.”

The East Brunswick Public Library Board of Trustees announced at their August 18 meeting that she was appointed as library director. Board of Trustees President Deborah Cornavaca described Kuzma as bringing “a unique and divers skillset, combined with years of library experience.

Cornavaca added, “she is a great hand-on leader, and she will add to the culture of excellence that we have at East Brunswick Public Library.”

“The township is thrilled and exited to welcome Melissa Kuzma as the new Library Director of East Brunswick Public Library,” said East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen. “As Mayor and a member of the Library Board of Trustees, I am sure that she will reach out to the greater East Brunswick community and enhance the quality of services, and programs provided in, what I believe, is the best public library in New Jersey.”

“Melissa’s strong commitment to libraries will serve her well as we look to redefine the role of a library in ways that continue to kep it at the core of our 21st century East Brunswick community,” said Mayor Cohen.

Kuzma first joined East Brunswck Public Library was Assistant Director in 2016, but she has spent most of her career working in libraries. After graduating from Rutgers University with a degree in history, she worked at New York Public Library as a librarian trainee. “I just fell in love with it. I was always a library-user and a big reader; my mom is also a librarian, so it’s kind of in my blood.”

Kuzma earned her Masters in Library Sciences at Rutgers, and she worked at New York Public Library and West Orange Public Library as a librarian.

Her career path eventually took her out of the library, working for companies that serve public, academic and corporate libraries as a project manager for Baker & Taylor and as a product manager for R. R. Bowker. “Working on that side of the information services industry really gave me an education on the business side of libraries,” Kuzma said.

She also worked as the Summit Housing Authority’s Deputy Executive Director. “Our office was within walking distance of the library,” she said. “Once a week, I would make a point to go to the library. And as soon as I would walk in, I would have a feeling of comfort and of being “at home” that I never felt anywhere else. I just knew I had to go back; I missed working in libraries too much.”

Kuzma was drawn to working at East Brunswick Public Library for many reasons. “East Brunswick is a diverse and inclusive community. The residents are very passionate about the town they call home, and they have always strongly supported their library. After working here for a few weeks, my husband noticed how happy I was at my new job. I realized how important working in a public library is to me.”

As Assistant Director, Kuzma planned several essential projects to improve the library and the services it offers. In 2017, she oversaw a renovation that included new flooring, public service desks, meeting rooms, cafe, and makerspace. She also developed a plan to implement a RFID library inventory management system, and a partnership with PSE&G to develop an energy and cost-efficient lighting system.

Since being named the interim library director earlier this year, she has worked on preparing a submission for the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act.

“Right now, my main focus is on making sure the library is serving the community during the pandemic and working toward reopening safely for the public and for staff,” she added.

“Hopefully, we will be awarded the construction bond grant, and the library can start working on our big renovation project! I will also be looking for opportunities for us to collaborate more with other township agencies and local businesses, as well as grant opportunities to help us fund new and exciting programs and services.”

Like any other library professional, Kuzma also has several book recommendations. Some of her favorite books this year have been The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead, The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett, and Writers & Lovers by Lily King. She is currently reading Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

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