by STAFF Ct. News Junkie
A current city library administrator and New York Public Library veteran has risen the ranks to become the next head of New Haven’s national award-winning public library system, roughly one year after the death of the city’s former top librarian.
City spokesperson Lenny Speiller and library admin Rory Martorana made that announcement in a joint email press release sent out Wednesday midday.
They announced that Maria Bernhey will become the city’s next top librarian, effective July 1. She currently serves as the New Haven Free Public Library’s public services administrator, a role she’s been in since April 2022. Before that, she spent seven years as a branch manager and in various leadership roles at the New York Public Library.
“It is an incredible honor to be named City Librarian of the New Haven Free Public Library,” Bernhey is quoted as saying in the press release. “I take great pride in working alongside a library team that is immensely passionate about their work and dedicated to serving and strengthening our community.”
“Since joining the NHFPL, Maria has distinguished herself as a leader among her peers, has developed exceptionally strong rapport with staff at all levels, and has forged partnerships that deepen the Library’s commitments to equity and diversity through internal and external programming,” library Board of Directors President Lauren Anderson is quoted as saying in that same press release. “This is an exciting moment in our Library’s history and an important time for public libraries nationwide.”
According to the release, which can be read in full below, the Board of Directors approved Bernhey’s appointment on May 10.
Bernhey succeeds in this role John Jessen, who died from cancer in May 2022. Acting City Librarian Maureen Sullivan, who has led the public library system since Jessen’s death, will continue in that role until Bernhey officials takes over on July 1.