San Francisco, CA – Mayor London N. Breed today appointed Michael Lambert to serve as the City Librarian of the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL). Lambert has served as Acting Librarian since the retirement of City Librarian Luis Herrera in February 2018, and previously served as Deputy City Librarian.

During his tenure, SFPL was named the 2018 National Library of the Year by Library Journal magazine. He has championed increased and equitable access to libraries through expanded hours and a fine-free library system.

“I am proud to appoint Michael Lambert to serve as City Librarian and continue the great work he has done during his many years at the Library,” said Mayor Breed. “Through forward-thinking initiatives likes eliminating burdensome fees that disproportionately affect low-income and minority residents, the San Francisco Public Library continues to serve as a critical public resource. I am confident that under Michael’s leadership, the Library will continue to expand its commitment to equity and access for all of our communities.”

“I am deeply honored to accept Mayor Breed’s appointment to advance the mission of the San Francisco Public Library,” said Lambert. “I look forward to working with the Library Commission and the passionate, dedicated staff to enhance the quality of life for all residents of San Francisco. San Francisco has the premier urban library in the country and I am humbled to be standing on the shoulders of giants as the next City Librarian.”

In March 2014, Lambert was named Deputy City Librarian of the San Francisco Public Library, overseeing public services at the Main Library and the Library’s network of neighborhood branches. He previously managed library operations at San Mateo County Libraries and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library in North Carolina.

"During the past year, Michael Lambert has exemplified the qualities that San Francisco seeks in its library leader: a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in library programs, strong fiscal oversight of the system, and a dynamic vision for library service innovations. I'm so pleased that we are able to promote from within our staff and elevate Michael to the City Librarian," said Library Commission President Dr. Mary Wardell Ghirarduzzi. “On behalf of the Commission we congratulate him as he embarks on this critical leadership role to serve and uplift the community as patrons of the best library in the nation.”

Lambert began his career in his hometown of Columbia, South Carolina at the Richland Library. He is a proud alumnus of the University of South Carolina with a degree in History and earned his Master of Library and Information Science Degree from South Carolina’s College of Library & Information Science.

Michael has been active in working with the California Library Association and serves as a board member for the San Francisco Tech Council. He is also a member of the Our Children Our Families Council. Lambert was born in Seoul, Korea and is the first Asian-American to lead the San Francisco Public Library.

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