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John Szabo

American librarian and library executive

John F. Szabo, City Librarian of Los Angeles Public Library

John F. Szabo is the City Librarian of the Los Angeles Public Library, the largest public library system in the United States serving over 4 million people.23 As City Librarian, he oversees the Central Library, 72 branches, and the library's $143 million budget.2

Szabo has over 20 years of leadership experience in public libraries.2 He previously served as the Director of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System (2005-2012), Clearwater (FL) Public Library System (1998-2005), Palm Harbor (FL) Library (1995-1998), and Robinson (IL) Public Library District (1992-1995).2

Szabo received his master's degree in information and library studies from the University of Michigan and his bachelor's degree in telecommunications from the University of Alabama.2 He is a former member of the Executive Board of the Urban Libraries Council, a past president of the Florida Library Association, and past president of the Tampa Bay Library Consortium Board of Directors.2

In 2015, the Los Angeles Public Library won the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation's highest honor for a library or museum, which was presented by First Lady Michelle Obama at a White House ceremony.1 Szabo has been featured in the New York Times bestseller The Library Book by Susan Orlean and named a "Culture Czar" in Los Angeles Magazine.1

Highlights

Aug 31 · linkedin

Immensely proud of our Los Angeles Public Library staff for being recognized as part of Overdose Awareness Month by Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez. Over 500 LAPL staff have voluntarily received training on the use of naloxone, the drug used to reverse a narcotic overdose. And yes, it’s been used multiple times to save lives. A reminder of the challenges our communities face and the amazing ways libraries respond.

Aug 14 · linkedin

Honored to speak about the importance of digital equity, federal E-rate funding and wi-fi hotspots with Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, Congressman Tony Cardenas, and Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.

Related Questions

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John Szabo
John Szabo, photo 1
John Szabo, photo 2
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Location

Los Angeles, California, United States