Library Director, Brian Auger, Retiring After 15 Years of Service

July 11, 2025 - Brian Auger, Library Director for the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ), will officially retire on July 31, 2025. Mr. Auger's 43-year career in public libraries began in Maryland and concluded with 15 years at the helm of SCLSNJ. His distinguished career has been marked by a relentless focus on the user experience and an inventive application of off-the-shelf technologies to enhance library services. His visionary leadership has transformed SCLSNJ into a nationally recognized institution, celebrated for its exceptional customer service, innovative programs, and robust community partnerships.

"It has been an incredible honor to serve the residents of Somerset County and to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team," said Mr. Auger. "I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together, from expanding our reach and modernizing our services to navigating unprecedented challenges like the pandemic, all while keeping our communities’ needs at the forefront and remembering our roots as community libraries."

Under Mr. Auger's leadership, SCLSNJ has achieved numerous milestones, including:

• Significantly raising the quality of library collections, programs, services, and staff across the entire system.
• Embedding SCLSNJ as a valued leader and partner within the public library community, both in New Jersey and nationally.
• Adding two towns to the system and overseeing the opening of a state-of-the-art branch.
• Successfully navigating the national pandemic, ensuring all employees remained employed, productive, and paid despite stay-at-home orders.
• Pioneering county-wide reciprocal borrowing, extending it to other county libraries and towns, ensuring all public libraries in Somerset County have reciprocal borrowing.
• Automating materials handling and introducing holds lockers at the Montgomery branch, enhancing convenience for patrons.

Brian Auger recently received significant recognition for his contributions. Senator Andrew Zwicker of New Jersey's 16th Legislative District honored him with a New Jersey Senatorial Resolution for 15 years of dedicated service to Somerset County and to New Jersey's libraries as Library Director. Additionally, the Literacy Volunteers of Somerset County presented him with their Literacy Advocacy award at their recent spring fundraiser.

Beyond his role at SCLSNJ, Mr. Auger has been a prolific contributor to the library profession, serving on numerous committees for the New Jersey State Library, the New Jersey Library Association, and the Public Library Association, including chairing the Public Library Association's Technology in Public Libraries committee. He has also been deeply involved in the Somerset County community, serving on the Board of Trustees for the Somerset County Business Partnership, and co-chairing its Nonprofit Council, as well as membership on numerous nonprofit boards like Somerset Treatment Services, Alternatives, and the Center School.

"Brian Auger's vision and dedication have profoundly shaped SCLSNJ and the broader library landscape," said Roberta Karpinecz, SCLSNJ Library Commission Chair. "His commitment to innovation, partnerships, and most importantly, the patron experience, has left an indelible mark. We are incredibly grateful for his leadership and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement."

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