Skip to main content

Villaraigosa Appoints New City Librarian

Support Provided By
4452756704_55d995722a_b
The San Luis Reservoir in CA | Photo: Kansas Sebastian/Flickr/Creative Commons License

The former director of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library, who is credited with turning around the troubled system there while he served, has been appointed to be L.A.'s City Librarian -- the highest post of the Los Angeles Public Library -- by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

John Szabo will replace Martin Gomez, who announced in February that he was leaving his post to serve as vice dean of the University of Southern California (USC) Libraries.

"John Szabo is uniquely qualified to lead our city's renowned library system into anew era of innovation, expanded services and enhanced accessibility," said Mayor Villaraigosa. "We conducted an intensive national search for the right leader for the Los Angeles Public Library, and John Szabo exceeded all the criteria. With his experience, leadership and vision, we will develop the twenty first century's premiere public library system to benefit all Angelenos."

During his tenure in Atlanta, Szabo initiated a program knows as "eCampus," which promoted an online learning environment with live tutoring and career resources. He also oversaw the development of a Library Building Program that was funded by a $275 million bond referendum to renovate 23 libraries, build eight ones, and expand two.

The City Council must confirm Szabo's appointment. If approved, he will be responsible for overseeing the Los Angeles' Central Library, 72 branches across the city, 900 employees, and a $113 million budget.

"It is an immense honor to lead the Los Angeles Public Library, and I am thrilled at the opportunity to serve the residents of this great city." Szabo said.

The LAPL serves the largest population of any library system in the country.

Support Provided By
Read More
A row of cows stands in individual cages along a line of light-colored enclosures, placed along a dirt path under a blue sky dotted with white puffy clouds.

A Battle Is Underway Over California’s Lucrative Dairy Biogas Market

California is considering changes to a program that has incentivized dairy biogas, to transform methane emissions into a source of natural gas. Neighbors are pushing for an end to the subsidies because of its impact on air quality and possible water pollution.
A Black woman with long, black brains wears a black Chicago Bulls windbreaker jacket with red and white stripes as she stands at the top of a short staircase in a housing complex and rests her left hand on the metal railing. She smiles slightly while looking directly at the camera.

Los Angeles County Is Testing AI's Ability To Prevent Homelessness

In order to prevent people from becoming homeless before it happens, Los Angeles County officials are using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to predict who in the county is most likely to lose their housing. They would then step in to help those people with their rent, utility bills, car payments and more so they don't become unhoused.
blue themed graphic including electric vehicles are charging stations, wind turbines and trees, 2023 in reference to year

A Look Back at Climate Solutions In 2023

The U.S. may have a long way to go in its decarbonization goals, but these stories show signs of progress in climate solutions.