Tonya Badillo new library director

Long Branch — The Long Branch Free Public Library Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Tonya Badillo as the new Library Director of the Long Branch Free Public Library.

Tonya Badillo

Badillo has served as the interim director for the past seven months, since the retirement of Ingrid Bruck, former Library Director.

Badillo has been with the library for the past ten years. In 2010 she received her Masters of Library and Information Science from Rutgers University- School of Communication and Information. She is a two-time recipient of the IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Diversity Recruitment Scholarship.

Over the past ten years, she managed the Technology and Career Center, Virtual Services. Adult Services, Diversity and Literacy Services and the library’s website.

She created and supervised the 2004 Diversity Initiative and the 2007 Back to Work Initiative resulting in numerous new programs and services, including literacy programs, urban youth services, workforce recovery assistance, language classes, a nationally recognized ex-offender program and an online re-entry resource center.     She was also responsible for creating the Virtual Career Center that was used as a model by New Jersey libraries throughout the state.

In 2012, the New Jersey Library Association honored Badillo with one of the 2012 Rising Star Awards. She also received the 2008 Servant Service Award from Concerned Citizens Coalition and In 2007 was awarded the Prevention in Excellence Award by Prevention First.

Having raised her four sons in Long Branch, she is vested in the city’s history and community. She says she looks forward to continuing her goal of bringing quality library services to our communities.

“I know you will join the Board in wishing Tonya continued success in her new position,” said Kathryn Tarantino, Board President.