City Librarian Leaving Post for USC

Los Angeles’ top librarian is leaving the city family to become the vice dean of USC Libraries, the mayor’s office announced today.

Martin Gomez will start his new job on April 2.

“Over the past three years, Mr. Gomez’s service to the Los Angeles Public Library has been outstanding,” Villaraigosa said in a statement.

“Working with my office and the city council, his leadership helped galvanize support for the passage of Measure L last year. His inclusive management style and vision has forged a new direction for the library that will benefit our residents and communities for many years to come.”

It has been a difficult couple of years for the city’s library system. Librarians were laid off and in 2010, libraries were completely shut down on Mondays. Last year, voters approved Measure L, which increased funding to the department and which will return service hours to 2009-levels.

“It has been a great privilege to serve under Mayor Villaraigosa and lead one of  the nation’s greatest libraries,” Gomez said in a statement. “During the past three years, the library faced many challenges, but working together with the mayor, city council, Library Commission, staff and public, we have met these challenges. I’m proud that we are  now restoring library services and enhancing its programs to meet the needs of all Angelenos today and in the future.”

The city’s library system includes the downtown Central Library and 72 branches.