Longtime Nutley Librarian Is Retiring After Years Of 'Exemplary Service'

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley officials recently tipped their hats to a longtime librarian who is retiring this summer: Jeanne Sylvester.

The Nutley Board of Commissioners and the Nutley Public Library Board of Trustees has issued a proclamation in Sylvester’s honor, which was read into the record at the commissioners’ July 15 meeting.

Watch footage from the meeting below (video is cued to the proclamation).

The proclamation reads:

WHEREAS, the Township of Nutley Board of Commissioners and the Nutley Public Library Board of Trustees wish to recognize the outstanding career and retirement of Jeanne Sylvester, who will retire on August 1, 2025, after 24 years of dedicated service; and

WHEREAS, Jeanne Sylvester received her Professional Librarian’s Certificate from the State of New Jersey Department of Education on June 28, 2000, began her career at the Nutley Public Library on February 20, 2001, and was promoted to a supervisory role on June 2, 2007; and

WHEREAS, during her tenure, Jeanne provided outstanding leadership and guidance to the Circulation and Interlibrary Loan Departments, earning the respect of her colleagues and cultivating a spirit of collaboration, professionalism, and public service; and

WHEREAS, Jeanne has been a driving force in bringing enriching programs to the Nutley community, including adult lectures, concerts, and craft workshops, and has thoughtfully curated the Library’s Adult Fiction and Media collections to serve readers of all interests; and

WHEREAS, Jeanne played an integral role in the planning and execution of the Nutley Public Library’s Centennial Celebration in 2014, helping to honor and showcase the Library’s rich history and its lasting impact on the community; and

WHEREAS, Jeanne is a passionate advocate for literacy and lifelong learning, a valued member of several BCCLS committees, and a true believer in the mission of public libraries to educate, inspire, and connect their communities; and

WHEREAS, she has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the Friends of the Library, generously donating proceeds from her handcrafted jewelry and crafts to support library initiatives and dedicating personal time to volunteer causes; and

WHEREAS, her excellence in librarianship was recognized when she was honored with the “Librarian of the Year” award at the Golden Apple Awards in 2009 by the New York City Chapter of Romance Writers of America; and

WHEREAS, Jeanne’s deep appreciation for the Nutley community and its support of the Library and its staff has been evident throughout her career, as she often expressed gratitude for working alongside a dedicated team of professionals and serving patrons who truly value their public library;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Township of Nutley Board of Commissioners and the Nutley Public Library Board of Trustees do hereby commend and congratulate Jeanne Sylvester for her 24 years of exemplary service to the Library and the Nutley community, and extend their best wishes for a joyful and well-deserved retirement.

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