E.B. Library director wins top honors
BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer

Carol Nersinger

EAST BRUNSWICK - The township library's own Carol Nersinger has been chosen as state Librarian of the Year.

Nersinger, who has more than 20 years of library leadership, was given the award by the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA) during its spring conference.

Nersinger began with the East Brunswick Public Library in December 2005 as an interim director, replacing longtime director Jason Stone, who retired. She became director on a permanent basis in early 2006. Nersinger had previously served as director of the Rochester (N.Y.) Public Library and director of the Library Development Bureau of the New Jersey State Library.

"As an outstanding role model and manager, Carol's great strengths lie in being proactive rather than reactive," said Joanne P. Roukens, a past NJLA librarian of the year, who presented the award. "She is a visionary who always worked to implement services and programs that demonstrate the value of libraries, librarians and library staff."

In addition to her day-to-day duties, Nersinger is overseeing the library's renovations. She was also credited with being the force behind the implementation of new initiatives for the library.

Nersinger said she was thrilled to win the most prestigious award that a New Jersey librarian can receive. But she said the award is also a tribute to the East Brunswick library itself and its staff.

"It's another indication of what a stellar library we have," concurred Robin Rushfield, president of the East Brunswick Friends of the Library, the nonprofit group that runs programs and provides support to the library.

This is the second time an East Brunswick librarian has won the award, the other occurring about 10 years ago when Carol Phillips was honored. Phillips still works at the library.

Nersigner said that, as a joke, she was given a tiara for her victory.

"Every time I go someplace, someone will say, 'Where is your tiara?' " she said.

She said she is now obligated to do some speaking engagements as librarian of the year.

"It's very much likeMissAmerica," she said, laughing.