The Burlington County Library Commission and Commission Chair Jeanne Ashmore have announced that Ranjna Das of Marlton will assume the position of Burlington County Acting Library Director on Sept. 1 when longtime director Gail Sweet retires.
“I’m looking forward to retirement and it’s nice to know the direction of the library is in the capable hands of Ranjna Das, who will be utilizing her extensive background in technology,” Sweet said. “As libraries grapple with changes, she is the perfect person to be in that spot.”
Currently, a supervising librarian, Das began her career with the Burlington County Library System 19 years ago as a library assistant at the Evesham Branch. Rising through the ranks, she assumed the role of a supervising librarian at library headquarters located in Westampton eight years ago. Das’ duties currently include managing technological initiatives for BCLS as it continues to move forward in the digital age, including e-books, the BCLS website, and systems software.
Das said she is eager to lead the library system into the future.
“I am excited and looking forward to carving out a new place for libraries within a rapidly changing landscape,” she said. “While the more talked-about role has been our use and adoption of technology, I also hope to create more partnerships within our communities.”
A graduate of Rutgers University with a dual Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Communications, Das also has a Masters Degree in Library Science, also from Rutgers.
Serving as director for the past 12 years, Sweet began her career at the library 28 years ago. She noted she has witnessed BCLS evolve from providing the community with the services of a “traditional library” into the technological age that includes the Internet and e-readers.
“It’s wonderful that the library has been able to embrace these changes,” Sweet said.
She added that she is confident the 15,830-foot expansion of the Burlington County Library Headquarters now nearing completion will help BCLS continues to meet the changing needs of the community. The addition includes a new a 250-seat indoor theater, expanded meeting space, and open spaces for community dialogue.
“It’s been fun,” said Sweet, whose retirement will become effective Sept. 1. “And I’m looking forward to new adventures.”