New Jersey State Library Appoints Elizabeth Burns as Director of the Talking Book and Braille Center

November 3, 2025

New Jersey State Librarian Jen Nelson has announced that Elizabeth Burns has been named the NJSL’s new Director of the Talking Book and Braille Center (TBBC).

Reporting to the New Jersey State Librarian, Burns will direct all aspects of TBBC, including the library’s collection, services, and staff. She will start in her new capacity on November 3, 2025. TBBC supports New Jersey residents of all ages who have difficulty reading standard print or holding a book due to a visual impairment, physical limitation, or reading disability.

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During her 18 years at the NJ State Library Talking Book and Braille Center, Burns gained extensive knowledge through progressively responsible roles. Most recently serving as Associate Director, she oversaw all aspects of TBBC operations, including readers advisory, staff management, and major projects. In her new role, under the direction of the New Jersey State Librarian, Burns will lead the administration of TBBC’s statewide services, ensuring equitable access to library resources for individuals who are blind, visually impaired, physically disabled, or otherwise print-disabled. She will also guide outreach initiatives to expand awareness among underserved and eligible populations across New Jersey.

Elizabeth Burns brings a wealth of experience in accessible library services to her role. She began her career at the NJSL Talking Book and Braille Center in 2007 as a Youth Services Librarian, later serving as Head of Reader Services and Associate Director. She has presented on accessible library services at both state and national conferences, and her writing on children’s literature has appeared in The Horn Book and School Library Journal. Most recently, she co-authored with her TBBC colleagues the article “Providing Accessible Library Services at the New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center,” published by The World Library, National Library of Korea. She is also co-author of the book, Pop Goes the Library: Using Pop Culture to Connect With Your Whole Community.

The Toms River, NJ resident earned her bachelor’s degree from Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ; her Juris Doctorate from Villanova University, Villanova, PA; and her Master of Library and Information Science from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. She holds a professional librarian certificate in New Jersey.

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