State Librarian’s Update – October 2026

October 1st, 2026

Fall is turning into one of my favorite seasons. In addition to cooler weather and colorful leaves, it seems like new or renovated libraries open all the time.

In September, I had the opportunity to visit libraries in North Bergen and Clayton. The newly renamed Sai Rao Public Library of North Bergen was renovated with funds from a Capital Projects Fund grant administered by the New Jersey State Library. The refreshed building features local murals, new study and telehealth rooms, and a much brighter look and feel.

In Clayton, the Gloucester County Library used Capital Projects Fund dollars to build an entirely new building, the Anne M. Wodnick Clayton Library, in a town formerly lacking a library. It is a beautiful space – larger than you’d think you could build with $3.2 million – and really welcoming, with private spaces and a delightful children’s area. The children’s area was in constant use when I visited.

If you’re up north or down south, make it a point to stop by the libraries and see what new, flexible and community-focused libraries can offer.

And even nicer than the buildings is that the library boards chose to name their libraries after noted New Jersey library leaders. Leaders who for decades have put serving the public and their community first and set a standard for partnership, collaboration, and public service that the rest of us can aspire to. Congratulations to Sai Rao and Anne Wodnick on receiving such a lovely distinction.

Jen Nelson
State Librarian