The Board of Trustees of the Highland Park Public Library today announced that Katherine M. Jaggers has been appointed Director of the Library. She succeeds Jane Stanley, who retired in December.
“Kate Jaggers brings a sterling record of improving library services, engaging community members and other stakeholders, and managing the increasingly complex operations of today’s library, all of which is central to our mission,” said Library Board President Helen Rovner. “She has first-hand experience building budgets, managing fundraising efforts and contributing to effective communication and marketing strategies—skills that will be invaluable as we pursue an ambitious strategic plan.”
On March 22, from 2 to 4 pm, the Library will host an open house to which all members of the public are invited to meet the new director.
“I’m honored to be joining an institution that prides itself on providing the kind of welcoming space, diverse programs, rich collections and up-to-date technology that help make Highland Park such a great place to live,” said Ms. Jaggers. “And I’m excited about the opportunity to work closely with the community, library patrons and the dedicated staff as we embark on the next chapter in the Library’s commitment to excellent public service.”
Prior to taking the helm of the Highland Park Library, Ms. Jaggers served as Associate Director of Piscataway Public Library in Piscataway, NJ. She began work there in 2005, holding series of positions of increasing responsibility, including Senior Librarian, Adult/Young Adult Department; Supervising Librarian, Head of User Services; and Interim Library Director.
Ms. Jaggers’ professional experience also includes serving as Young Adult Librarian at Franklin Lakes Public Library, Library Associate at the Paterson Free Public Library, and Library Assistant at Clifton Public Library. She is active in the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA), currently serving on its Executive Board. The daughter of a children’s librarian, she earned a Master of Information and Library Science degree from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Psychology degree from the College of New Jersey.