Watchung Branch Library Welcomes Manny Miracle
Watchung Branch Library
Share your journey to branch manager:
I fell in love with librarianship at Watchung branch where I worked as a library assistant in the ‘90s. After graduating from Rutgers University with my undergraduate degree I worked as the public relations coordinator for the Library System sharing my love of library services with the public; headquartered at the Bridgewater branch for ten years. After a move to Colorado and obtaining my master’s in library science from Clarion University (PA), I came back to work at SCLSNJ as a librarian at Mary Jacobs and moved to the new Montgomery location where I led the adult services department.
Why Watchung?
I grew up just around the corner, in Warren, attended school at Watchung Hills, and started my first job at the Watchung branch where I developed a love of librarianship and the idea of community. The Watchung branch provided me with a sense of belonging and this is my opportunity to directly give back to the community that impacted my life for the better. As someone who has reaped the benefits of growing up in Somerset County, I have always wanted to give back to the community that shaped me into who I am today. As our daily lives become ever more intertwined with technology it’s vitally important to the health of a community for the library to serve as a third place; a place that is neither home nor work where people can meet their neighbors and feel they are a part of a larger community.
What is your favorite Library resource that you feel should no longer remain a secret?
First of all, I cannot say enough about the treasure trove found on the Library’s website, from cultural adventure passes to Library programsto readers advisory services. However, if I could only pick one thing, I love, love, love Gale Presents: Udemy. Udemy provides high quality video courses taught by professionals in the field on topics ranging from how to build a website to how to be a better listener. Anyone looking to upskill themselves, job seekers looking to add skills in search of better jobs, or employers looking to provide training to their employees should take a peek at this magnificent resource. But, I also love Libby, our e-book and e-audiobook library, or Gale Business DemographicsNow, an incredible resource for entrepreneurs. I really could just go on and on. Stop in and chat with me, I’d love to tell you all about – well, everything!
Recommendations from Manny Miracle:
“The Stand” (unabridged version) by Stephen King
“A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini
“The Giver of Stars” by JoJo Moyes.
“An Absolutely Remarkable Thing” by Hank Green
“Upgrade” by Blake Crouch
“The Martian” and “Project Hail Mary” both by Andy Weir
The Watchung branch is located at 12 Stirling Road in Watchung. To contact the Watchung branch, call (908) 458-8455 or emailwatchung@sclibnj.org. To discover all SCLSNJ has to offer, visit SCLSNJ.org or connect with SCLSNJ on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, 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.
