Brian Kenney, Editorial Director for LJ, SLJ, and The Horn Book, Leaves To Become Director at White Plains PL, NY
By Ian Singer Oct 6, 2011Today I'm announcing that Brian Kenney, Editor-in-Chief of School Library Journal (SLJ) and publishing group Editorial Director for Library Journals LLC, the publishing group that includes Library Journal (LJ), SLJ, and The Horn Book, will be leaving the company on October 19 to return to his first love—public libraries—as the Director of White Plains Public Library in White Plains, NY.
Brian joined Library Journal in 2001 and came up through the ranks, working first as news editor and technology editor at Library Hotline and Library Journal, then as LJ's executive editor. He was appointed School Library Journal's Editor-in-Chief in 2005 and publishing group Editorial Director in 2009, and played a vital role following the acquisition of SLJ and LJ by Media Source, Inc. in early 2010.
On behalf of not only the Library Journals and The Horn Book staff, but for the library industry as a whole, I thank Brian for all he has done for the brands and for libraries throughout the years. His leadership, perspective, industry knowledge, and sense of decency have been invaluable to both the integration of the brands into Media Source, Inc. and in support of the transition to a more digital-centric publishing program, which will better position our publications to support libraries for years to come.
And of course, while we are saddened by Brian's departure, all change creates new opportunities. Because School Library Journal has an incredibly experienced editorial team with close ties to their readership and the school library market, we are absolutely confident the publication, and its voice, will continue to move ahead while we search for new leadership.
During his tenure, Brian launched several new publications, including the building and facilities-focused Library by Design, Series Made Simple, covering nonfiction publishing for youth, and Patron Profiles, a quarterly digital-only publication providing insight into library users, which debuts next week. Brian also greatly expanded SLJ's digital presence through a suite of newsletters and by bringing leading bloggers onto the SLJ website. Under his guidance, the SLJ Leadership Summit became a much anticipated annual event.
Before joining the magazines, Brian had worked as a librarian, including service for nearly a decade at the Brooklyn Public Library, where he was a manager of the central library.
"Brian is going back to the place where I first knew him," said Francine Fialkoff, LJ's Editor-in-Chief. "He has been an amazing colleague, and I wish him the best."
"It is difficult to leave these magazines because they are created by such a talented and dedicated group of people--each with their own wonderfully engaged readership," said Kenney. "We've had great successes together, but I know the best is yet to come. I'll be reading!"
Brian will begin his service as Director of White Plains Public Library in November, succeeding Sandra Miranda, who is retiring after leading the library for 22 years. Congratulations, Brian—make us proud!
—Ian Singer, VP and Group Publisher
