BELVIDERE, N.J. — At the July 23 Warren County commissioners meeting a resident urged the board to press for greater transparency and accountability in the county library’s governance, citing ongoing legal counsel costs at routine meetings, unfilled certified librarian positions and poor communications with the public. The board later approved an appointment to the library leadership.

Pamela Keane, who identified herself as a resident and library advocate, told commissioners that legal counsel’s routine presence at library council meetings was costly and that unfilled certified librarian positions were “impacting the quality of the services of our library, provide especially to students, families and longtime learners.” She added that residents’ letters and emails often go unanswered and that bylaws changes have not been clearly communicated; she urged greater public accountability.

The board then approved Resolution 383-25 appointing Matthew Rothfuss as Assistant Library Director of the Warren County Library, effective Aug. 14, 2025, 40 hours per week, with an annual salary of $88,000. The resolution notes the appointment is provisional pending qualification through an open competitive examination process in accordance with New Jersey Civil Service Commission regulations.

Pamela Keane told the board she understood the commissioners are not the library council but said they “do have a lot to say who is actually on the board” and urged the county to require more public-facing governance. No further action was taken at the July 23 meeting on procedural oversight of the library council.

Ending: Commissioners approved a provisional appointment to library leadership and heard public calls for improved transparency, staffing and responsiveness from the county library system.