JERSEY CITY FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY APPOINTS TEN JERSEY CITY RESIDENTS
JERSEY CITY FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY APPOINTS TEN JERSEY CITY RESIDENTS
JERSEY CITY, NJ, November 23, 2020 – Mr. Jeffrey Trzeciak, Director of the Jersey City Free Public Library, the largest municipal library in New Jersey, has announced the appointment of ten Jersey City residents to assume key positions in programing, organizational structure, and youth services throughout Main Library and nine branch system.
According to Trzeciak, “These individuals step into their roles during an extraordinary moment in time. Not only do they bring the requisite talent and experience for their roles, they bring a spirit of positivity and flexibility that will enable Jersey City Free Public Library to flourish and meet our community’s needs.”
Hannah Batren, Jersey City, NJ
Program Coordinator for Special Events
Ms. Batren recently served as the Exhibitions and Public Programs Manager at the New York School of Interior Design, managing programs and partnerships. She worked in professional development for pre-K teachers at the NYC Department of Education and supported career development for young adults at the Museum of the City of New York. She earned her Masters of Science in Education at Bank Street College of Education, New York, NY, and her BFA at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ.
Tricia Clarke, Jersey City, NJ
Program Coordinator
Ms. Clarke worked as a Children’s Library Associate at Carroll County Public Library System in Finksburg, MD, and as a Children’s Librarian Assistant at Newark Free Library in Newark, DE. While in college, she was a library assistant at Drexel University’s Hagerty Library. She earned her Ph.D. at Indiana University, Bloomington, IN; MA at the University of Delaware, Newark, DE; and BA at Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA. She is dedicated to promoting literacy and cultural education, which she plans to continue in this new role.
Kate Davis, Jersey City, NJ
Youth Services Librarian Johnston Avenue
Ms. Davis has worked in youth library environments around the world, most recently serving as Library Director/Teacher Librarian at the American International School of Abuja in Nigeria. Her library work began at the Denver Public Library, where she also worked in Denver Public Schools. Ms. Davis earned her Master’s in Information and Library Science (MILS) at University of Denver, Denver, CO, and her BA at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. She is a member of the American Library Association, Freedom to Read Foundation, American Association of School Librarians, and Library Leadership and Management Association.
Mandy Decker, Jersey City, NJ
Afterschool Program Coordinator
Ms. Decker has 15 years of management and administration experience in educational settings, concerts, theatre, and events. In her recent position as Program Coordinator with the New York Philharmonic, she worked to provide music education to thousands of students each year. She worked at the Black Box Studios in Englewood, NJ, providing theatre education to hundreds of students in the metro area. Ms. Decker earned her Associate of Applied Science (AAS) from Cecil College, North East, MD.
Timothy Decker, Jersey City, NJ
Grant Writer
Mr. Decker spent the past 10 years as a Human Resource Officer at the New York Philharmonic, where he conducted extensive organizational and procedural activities. Prior to that, he worked at Lincoln Center in New York. Mr. Decker earned his BA degree at Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA. He is an author and illustrator of children’s books, young adult novels, and graphic novels, as well as a teaching artist and lecturer. As a writer with a passion for research and self-education, he believes there is no better institution to support than the local library.
Emily Gorbach, Jersey City, NJ
Youth Services Librarian Fiver Corners
Ms. Gorbach began her career in the nonprofit sector, helping young people develop career readiness skills and find employment. She transitioned to working as a children’s librarian at the Brooklyn Public Library’s Kings Bay Branch. Previously, she worked at the City University of New York Hostos Community College as a Reference and Archives & Special Collections Adjunct Librarian. Ms. Gorbach earned her Master’s in Information and Library Science (MILS) at Queens College, Queens, NY, and her BA at Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY.
Yolanda Keahey, Jersey City, NJ
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Librarian
Ms. Keahey has worked for the Jersey City Free Public Library since 2013. She has worked at three colleges, including her alma mater, Stevens Institute of Technology. She earned her Master’s in Information and Library Science (MILS) at Pratt Institute, New York, and her BA and MA at St. Peter’s College, Jersey City, NJ. She was president of the Jersey City Public Library Literacy program; a member of the Jersey City Public Schools Ambassador program; and a passionate Girl Scout leader.
Andrew Luck, Jersey City, NJ
Head of Adult Services
Mr. Luck’s work has focused on New Jersey’s urban communities, serving as the Elizabeth Public Library’s Assistant Director, where he was crucial in developing COVID-19 regulations. Prior to that, he served as an Adult Services Librarian at Paterson Free Public Library. He earned his Master’s in Information and Library Science (MILS) at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, and his BA from Rutgers University, Newark, NJ. He is a Member-At-Large of the New Jersey Association of Lifelong Learners and a member of the New Jersey Library Association.
Gus Tsekenis, Jersey City, NJ
Five Corners Regional Branch Manager
Mr. Tsekenis has more than 20 years of urban library experience in New Jersey and New York. He served as Reference Librarian at Newark Public Library and also worked at Queens Public Library (New York). He is passionate about books and committed to bringing free collections to people who might otherwise not have access. Mr. Tsekenis earned his MA at Queens College, Queens, NY, and his BA at City College of New York, New York, NY.
Samora Williams, Jersey City, NJ
Community Awareness Series Manger
Mr. Williams has worked for the Jersey City Free Public Library since 2013, serving in the Community Awareness Series Department in various capacities and as a volunteer from 2004 to 2012. Prior to that, he worked in multiple roles centered around music for Soaring Heights Charter School, Camp Liberty, and Educational Arts Team, all in Jersey City. Mr. Williams earned his BA at New Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ.
About Jersey City Free Public Library
For over 120 years, the Jersey City Free Public Library has been a cornerstone of Jersey City’s vibrant community. It is New Jersey’s largest municipal library, serving nearly 200,000 patrons. Through its Main Library, nine branches, and Bookmobile, it provides a wide array of programming and resources, and access to a broad range of print, digital, and audiovisual collections. Hudson County residents are eligible for a free library card, while others can take advantage of many of the Library’s programs. For information, please visit the website www.jclibrary.org.
