John Beekman, MLIS

As Chief Librarian at the Gardner Main Library of the Jersey City Free Public Library, John supervises all public facing library departments. Prior to this position (and still on occasion) he worked in the local history department of the library for over 16 years. Prior to that he spent 14 years maintaining sheet music and scripts for musicals at the Tams-Witmark Music Library. He serves as co-editor for the H-New-Jersey discussion forum and is active in several library, archives and history professional organizations, including the History & Preservation Section of NJLA, who awarded him the 2022 Susan Swartzburg Award. He has served as a historical consultant to several local history projects, including walking tours, exhibits, and theater pieces.