News Release

San Francisco – The announcement by Governor Schwarzenegger naming Susan Hildreth State Librarian is a great compliment to the leadership of Ms. Hildreth. The San Francisco Public Library congratulates the new State Librarian and remains confident that its former City Librarian will continue to be a steadfast advocate for libraries throughout the state. “Susan is one of the most dynamic library leaders in the country; it doesn’t surprise me that the Governor would approach Susan to keep her in California,” said Paul Underwood, Acting City Librarian for San Francisco.

During her six year tenure with the San Francisco Public Library, Hildreth was the driving force behind many improvements to the system that gained statewide recognition from policymakers. Some of her successes included the development of a new three-year Strategic Plan; a $106 million voter approved bond measure to seismically renovate and rejuvenate nineteen branch libraries and build five new libraries; and implementation of a new, improved online library system which now provides access to library resources to users in multiple languages.

Hildreth is not the first former San Francisco City Librarian to be appointed to California’s highest library post. Dr. Kevin Starr, State Librarian Emeritus, served at the helm of the San Francisco Public Library from 1973-1976. Dr. Starr retired from the State Librarian position on April 1, 2004.

The San Francisco Public Library Commission is leading a national search for Hildreth’s replacement, who gave her notice to pursue an opportunity with the Tucson-Pima Public Library system. “Hildreth had not yet begun her post in Tucson when she received the appointment by the Governor. Library staff support Susan’s decision to continue to serve the State of California in this significant position,” said Underwood. “It isn’t everyday this type of opportunity comes across your desk. The Library applauds the Governor for his recognition of Susan’s extraordinary skills that will no doubt benefit the entire state of California.”