Courtesy photo
Darryl Voorhees joins Warren Library
SCLSNJ
Share your journey to branch manager:
Basically put, while I very much enjoy and had a passion for my prior job with the system, I realized that being connected to a local community was something that is a good fit for me. My filling in at Peapack and Gladstone for an extended period helped me come to that realization. Prior to my coming to SCLSNJ I worked in the Rutgers University Library System managing a variety of public services, digital preservation, and the hub of outgoing electronically delivered article requests, which was extensive. And though I received my MLIS there in 2007, I felt like the move to public libraries would be a better use of my experience, education, and personality.
Why Warren?
I have a history of communicating with local stakeholder groups there going back years. In a way I feel like I’ve been on many interviews for the Warren position, and come in with somewhat established relationships. It’s also no secret that I think Warren is a gem in terms of staff, local support, and the building itself. I’m not saying it’s the best, all of the branches are special in their own way, but I’ve always been drawn there. My goal for the community is simply cooperational. I’m enthusiastically looking forward to solidifying a great rapport as I begin my new role.
What is your favorite Library resource that you feel should no longer remain a secret?
Library workers, librarians and dedicated professional staff alike. If people only knew what goes into making things happen. As a subset of that, (even though I hate self-promotion), I’ll also humbly submit … me. But, to mention a non-human resource, I have to say the Cultural Adventure Museum passes are among my favorite services, and I’ll miss my direct involvement with them. It’s fun to think about all of the memories with friends and family that we help facilitate with those free admissions.
Book recommendations from Darryl Voorhees:
“I Am Homeless if This Is Not My Home” and “Self-Help” both by Lorrie Moore
“The Zone of Interest” by Martin Amis
“If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler” by Italo Calvino
Anything written by Nathanael West, John Fante, John Hawkes, Vladimir Vladimirovich Nabokov, or Raymond Carver
The Warren Township branch is located at 42 Mountain Boulevard in Warren. For questions, call (908) 458-8450 or emailwarrentownship@sclibnj.org. To discover all SCLSNJ has to offer, visit SCLSNJ.org or connect with SCLSNJ on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or YouTube.
About Somerset County Library System of New Jersey
Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) partners with you to connect, to explore, to share, and to discover. Together we enrich lives, expand knowledge, and strengthen communities. SCLSNJ serves the following communities in Somerset County: Bound Brook, Branchburg, Bridgewater, Green Brook, Hillsborough, Manville, Millstone, Montgomery, North Plainfield, Peapack and Gladstone, Rocky Hill, Somerville, South Bound Brook, Warren Township, and Watchung. Visit SCLSNJ.org.
