East Brunswick Public Library Names New Director

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ —The East Brunswick Public Library Board of Trustees has named John Arthur as the new director effective Thursday, July 8.

“We are thrilled to welcome John in his position as Library Director,” East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen said in a media statement.

“We are proud of the Library and the reputation it has established over the decades. I am certain that John will help lead our organization and redefine the role and function of libraries in the 21st century.”

Arthur said he was excited to begin working at the library. “It’s a leader among libraries throughout the state, and one I have frequently looked to for inspiration in the past,” Arthur said in a statement. “The services offered are innovative and constantly evolving.”

Prior to this appointment, Arthur held several positions at public libraries in the state. He was the Youth Services Librarian at West Orange Public Library, the Head of Youth Services at the Library of the Chathams, and the Director of Metuchen Public Library.

Most recently, he was the director of the Englewood Public Library. Leading Englewood Public Library’s response to COVID-19 was Arthur’s “most significant accomplishment,” he said.

“Together with a wonderful staff, we offered more than 850 online programs, launched socially distanced outdoor events, and in many ways kept people connected to their community throughout the pandemic.”

For the first 100 days of the pandemic, Arthur also performed guitar and vocal music on Facebook Live.

A graduate from Rutgers University with a B.A. in Philosophy and History, Arthur earned a Master of Library and Information Sciences degree at Rutgers and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

“I’ve always been interested in providing access—whether it be to high-quality information, to cultural events, or to a chance for someone to learn and grow,” Arthur said.

As Library Director, Arthur’s goal will be to work with other community organizations, township departments, and schools to ensure the library can respond to the needs of East Brunswick residents.

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