John F. Szabo

John F. Szabo is an American librarian and administrator who has served as the City Librarian of the Los Angeles Public Library system since 2012. Appointed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, he oversees one of the largest and most expansive public library systems in the United States. His tenure has been marked by significant capital projects, digital expansion, and a strong focus on equitable public service.

Early life and education

Szabo was raised in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of South Florida, where he developed an interest in information science and community institutions. He later earned a Master of Science in Library and Information Studies from the prestigious School of Information at Florida State University, a program known for producing leaders in the field of library science.

Career

His professional career began in the Atlanta metropolitan area, where he held several leadership positions within the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. During this period, he managed branch operations and contributed to system-wide initiatives that expanded public access to technology and collections. Prior to his appointment in Los Angeles, Szabo served as the Director of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County in Ohio, where he led efforts to stabilize funding and enhance community programming following economic challenges in the Rust Belt region.

Los Angeles Public Library tenure

Appointed as City Librarian in 2012, Szabo leads a system comprising the iconic Central Library and over 70 neighborhood branches. A major achievement of his tenure has been steering the implementation of the ambitious LAPL "Library of the Future" initiative, funded by a voter-approved bond measure. This has facilitated the renovation or replacement of numerous aging branches, including the state-of-the-art Teen'Scape at the Central Library and the new Micheltorena Branch. He has also championed the expansion of digital resources, such as the Lynda.com learning platform and increased access to e-books, while maintaining the system's role as a critical provider of social services and a safe haven for vulnerable populations, including the homeless in Los Angeles.

Professional involvement and recognition

Szabo is an active member of major national library organizations, including the American Library Association and the Public Library Association. He has served on various committees and task forces addressing issues like digital equity, intellectual freedom, and the future of library spaces. His leadership has been recognized with honors such as the California Library Association's prestigious Administrator of the Year Award. He frequently speaks at conferences, including the Urban Libraries Council Annual Forum, on topics related to innovation in public librarianship and the role of libraries in fostering civic engagement.

Personal life

Szabo resides in Los Angeles with his family. An advocate for urban life and civic culture, he is known to be a frequent visitor to the city's many cultural institutions, such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Hollywood Bowl. He maintains professional connections with colleagues across the country and is involved in local community initiatives that align with the library's mission of education and access.

Category:American librarians Category:Living people Category:Los Angeles Public Library