From Chicago to New York: Brian Bannon Named Director of The New York Public Library

From the NYPL:

The New York Public Library has named Brian Bannon, current head of the Chicago Public Library system with extensive experience in both education and urban libraries, as its first-ever Merryl and James Tisch Director of The New York Public Library.

Bannon, a known innovator and award-winning leader who has transformed the Chicago Public Library since his appointment as commissioner and chief executive officer in 2012, will be responsible for the operation and direction of The New York Public Library’s 88 neighborhood branches, as well as the Library’s educational strategy.

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The position combines the Library’s chief branch library officer role with its educational planning efforts, with a focus on strengthening the Library’s programming to maximize impact for New Yorkers, and contribute to a culture of learning, reading, and education across the city.

The expanded position was made possible with a $20 million gift from Library Trustee James Tisch and his wife Dr. Merryl Tisch, a leading national voice on education and the former Chancellor of the Board of Regents.

Bannon’s appointment was announced at this afternoon’s Board of Trustees meeting; he will start at NYPL on September 3. He replaces former Chief Branch Library Officer Christopher Platt, who left the Library late last year.

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Before his time in Chicago, Bannon worked as Chief Information Officer at the San Francisco Public Library, and worked at the Seattle Public Library and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He received his bachelor of arts from Pacific Lutheran University and his master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Washington Information School.

Learn More About Brian Bannon in the Complete NYPL News Release

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