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SCLSNJ Library Director, Peter Bromberg to Retire
October 9, 2026 - Peter Bromberg, Library Director for the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ), announced that he will retire as of December 1, 2026. To ensure a smooth transition, the Library Commission has appointed Deputy Director Lynn Hoffman to serve as Acting Library Director following Bromberg’s departure.
“I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to lead the Somerset County Library System and am proud of the things we have accomplished together,” Bromberg said. “While retirement is a big decision, this is the right time for me and my family to make a change. After more than 30 years of public service working to ensure that people have access to great library services, I am ready to transition to the next chapter of my life, and explore new ways of being of service and making a difference in the lives of others. I have always been driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the public good, and I am excited about discovering and engaging with new opportunities to do so.”
During Bromberg’s tenure at SCLSNJ, numerous innovations and system improvements were set in motion or brought to completion. Key achievements include the successful reopening of the Peapack-Gladstone branch, the completion of the Sanofi furniture refresh project, successful union contract negotiations, the introduction of AI procedures, and the implementation of a community-based model for programming and events.
“Although we are sorry to see Peter’s time with SCLSNJ come to an end, we are deeply grateful for his leadership and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement,” said Roberta Karpinecz, SCLSNJ Library Commission Chair. “Peter brought an inspiring vision to our library system that generated fresh energy and momentum among both staff and the public. We feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside him.”
Mr. Bromberg's career spanned more than 30 years in public libraries with extensive experience in driving innovation, modeling responsible stewardship of public funds, and a commitment to removing inequitable barriers to service within public library systems across the country. Prior to his work at SCLSNJ, he served as Executive Director of the Salt Lake City Public Library in Utah and Associate Director of the Princeton Public Library, establishing a reputation for sustainable fiscal management and facilities planning, and the cultivation of a people-centered approach to management and customer service. His leadership in helping libraries across the country eliminate late fees was recognized by American Society for Public Administrators (ASPA) who awarded him their Distinguished Service Award for an Appointed Official.
As a lifelong champion of intellectual freedom, Peter worked pro bono with libraries, organizations, and grassroots community groups in over 40 states helping to build local, regional, and statewide coalitions to preserve the freedom to read and protect library funding and librarians’ jobs from political attacks. His work as a defender of the First Amendment was recognized by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) with their Torch of Freedom award in 2024 and by the League of Women Voters (LWV) who awarded him their Making Democracy Work award in 2025.
The SCLSNJ Library Commission will determine next steps regarding the search process for a new Director. Additional details regarding the Director search will be shared as information becomes available.