Littman Library

Hi everyone,

As many of you know, our beloved HCAD librarian, Maya Gervits, will be leaving NJIT this summer after more than two decades of extraordinary service to the students and faculty of this school.

When Maya arrived at NJIT in 2002, the library was smaller, quieter, and a little less alive. In the last 24 years, she has doubled the library’s collection, established a rare books section, and continuously found ways to bring new materials and ideas into the hands of students by hosting exhibitions, tea talks, live music, and workshops. This transformation is the result of Maya’s vision and care, and her unwavering belief in a library where students feel ownership, belonging, and inspiration.

What makes her impact truly remarkable is what she accomplished with so little. The Littman Library’s budget today is only a fraction of what it once was (1/30th to be precise), yet Maya still managed to grow the collection, create new programs, and raise substantial support through grants and donations.

In light of her upcoming retirement (tragic, I know), I wanted to find a meaningful way to express our gratitude. I am organizing a donation to the Littman Library in Maya’s name as a small way to honor everything she has given to this community. The hope is to present this to her as a surprise at her retirement celebration this week.

If Maya has ever helped you find a book, offered guidance, or created a space for you to think, I invite you to contribute any amount you are able to. Your support will help Kennedy and Cherron continue her work: acquiring books and materials, and creating the programs and events that make the Littman Library so special.

Thank you all for helping us honor someone who has given so much to so many. Please share this link with classmates/students/faculty/staff or anyone you can think of (but try to keep it a surprise)!

All the best,
Guido N. Liwski (B. Arch '25)