EDISON, NJ – The Edison Public Library recently celebrated the retirement of a beloved employee and longtime community resident, Robert “Robbie” Robbins, who has served the library for 10 years. Staff gathered on July 23rd to wish him well on his last day. Robbins, a resident of Edison for over three decades, spent the majority of his tenure as the Library’s Building and Grounds Supervisor.
Robbins began his journey at the library in 2015, initially working part-time in maintenance. He soon transitioned to a full-time role as a Bookmobile driver and, within his first year, was promoted to Building and Grounds Supervisor. In this role, Robbins was instrumental in the smooth and efficient operation of the library. He was responsible for ordering supplies and ensuring a safe, clean, and functional environment for both staff and patrons. “Whatever maintenance was required in the buildings, that was my responsibility, and I loved doing it,” said Robbins, who brought a wealth of experience from his previous careers as a mechanic, truck driver, construction company owner, and property manager. “I have always enjoyed working with my hands, and it was my job to make sure anything that needed to be done or repaired, and that any safety issues were addressed.”
Robbins’s commitment extended beyond his daily duties. Over the past year, he played a crucial role in the renovation projects at both the Main Library and the North Edison Branch. He helped with relocating materials and setting up new temporary and permanent spaces for staff and the public. Radha Dhanyamraju, the Main Library branch manager who worked alongside Robbins for eight years, expressed her gratitude. “Robbie was such an integral part of our Library system, always going above and beyond to ensure that all the buildings were clean, safe, and well-maintained,” she said. “Additionally, during the renovations, he really stepped up, and his hard work did not go unnoticed.” Dhanyamraju also highlighted Robbins’s warm and welcoming demeanor. “Every day, he would open the door and greet staff entering the building with a smile. His presence will be greatly missed.”
Robbins and his wife, Denise, a retired teacher from Edison Township Schools, are celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary this year. They are the proud parents of Jessica and grandparents to Noah and Connor. While they plan to relocate to Lititz, Pennsylvania, later this month, Robbins said he isn’t the type to “just sit around.” He looks forward to tackling his “honey-do list,” finding a part-time job, and making trips back to New Jersey to visit family and friends. “I had a nice 10 years here and met so many wonderful people,” Robbins said. “I have gotten to know so many patrons and members of the community and made so many friends. I am going to miss everyone, but I have a lot of plans, and I am looking forward to this new chapter.”
