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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
