The Princeton Public Library recently announced the departure of Jennifer Podolsky, Executive Director of PPL.
In an interview with Town Topics, Board President Chris Van Buren stated that Podolsky was instrumental in guiding the PPL through challenges such as COVID-19, while ensuring that the library remained an important part of the Princeton community.
“It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve as the executive director of the Princeton Public Library for the past six years,” said Podolsky in a statement to Town Topics. “I am grateful … to be part of a community that understands how essential a library is to the life of a town … [and] for the trust Princeton has placed in me and for the many relationships and memories I will take with me into my next chapter.”
Shannon Hurley, Director of Marketing and Communications for PPL, declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding Podolsky’s departure.
“Our focus is on ensuring a positive and effective transition and continuing to serve the community without interruption,” said Hurley.
For students at PHS, the executive director leaving has caused a variety of responses. The change has been described as a reminder for Jolie Wang, a PHS senior who has been a member of PPL’s Teen Advisory Board (TAB) for three years.
“Now that [Podolsky is] leaving, I’m kind of … in doubt of what will happen because … [Podolsky has been] in charge for a long time,” said Wang. “[In] this transition to something new … I think I’m going to be more aware of what’s happening at the library if there’s any changes.”
A change in executive leadership isn’t the only change that has recently occurred at PPL. Earlier this year, budgetary restrictions resulted in the library reducing its operating hours by one hour every day, a change that has already affected some PHS students who regularly use PPL resources. Juha Lee ’27 has served on TAB for three years and was among those who noticed the change caused by financial challenges.
“The TAB meetings … had to be moved to start a little bit earlier, since the library closes earlier too,” said Lee. “People who used to go to the library … later at night are … annoyed that it’s closed and they can’t go there anymore.”
Hurley noted that there is no set timeline for appointing Podolsky’s successor.
“The priority is finding the right leader for the library and community rather than setting a deadline,” said Hurley.
Looking ahead, Lee and Wang have similar hopes for the search for PPL’s next executive director.
“The [new] director should … be taking into account … what people want, … listening to what people are saying about certain issues, and … taking it into consideration when making decisions,” said Lee.
Wang hopes for a new director who is fiscally responsible but committed to preserving the library’s foundational values.
“I hope that this person can find a balance between money and also having some resources that the library has also always been able to provide,” said Wang.
Hurley stated that the Board has not yet determined whether or not community members will have a role to play in the search for the next executive director.
“The Board values community input and will determine the appropriate role for community members and other stakeholders,” said Hurley, “If there are opportunities for community participation, we’ll communicate those as the process develops.”
According to Hurley, the Board is seeking a leader who understands PPL’s role in the community and can build on existing services for the future.
“As with all of our patrons, their needs can vary considerably, so we try to understand how different groups use the library and make decisions with the broader needs of the community in mind,” said Hurley. “We want the library to remain a place where teens and Princeton High School students feel welcome and have access to the resources and spaces they need.”