Published: May 15, 2025

In Episode 12 of Information Gone Wild, hosts Maurice Coleman and Paul Signorelli welcomed Michael Lambert, the City Librarian for the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) and current President of the Public Library Association. Michael’s story is both inspiring and deeply rooted in public service, innovation, and community. Here’s a look at the key takeaways from their conversation—shared in a Q&A format that feels like you’re right there with them.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a library career?

A: Like many people in the profession, Michael didn’t set out to become a librarian. In fact, he admits he wasn’t even a big reader growing up—except for comic books, which he organized meticulously. He stumbled into the library world when he took a part-time job at his college library in South Carolina. That led to unexpected opportunities, mentors who believed in him, and ultimately a passion for helping others. It wasn’t a straight line, but it was a deeply meaningful journey.

Q: What brings you happiness at work and in life?

A: Michael finds fulfillment in getting things done—checking off his to-do list gives him a real sense of purpose. But as he’s grown in his role, he’s found even more joy in seeing others succeed. Helping people grow in their careers is one of his greatest professional rewards. On a personal note, nothing beats the happiness of watching his son thrive and live a full, joyful life.

Q: How does SF Public Library grow leaders from within?

A: Leadership development is a big part of SFPL’s DNA. Michael credits his predecessor, Luis Herrera, for building a strong, collaborative organizational culture. SFPL invests in its people and promotes from within whenever possible. Michael sees that as one of the library’s greatest strengths—growing talent internally so that leaders are deeply connected to the community they serve.

Q: How do you engage your staff and promote training and development?

A: Staff engagement isn’t a buzzword at SFPL—it’s a priority. Michael described a robust approach that includes strategic planning sessions with every segment of the workforce, recognition events, celebrations of milestones, and listening tours. The goal is to build an inclusive environment where staff feel valued, supported, and heard.

Q: Can you give us an overview of SF Public Library’s services?

A: San Francisco may be a small city in square mileage, but SFPL is mighty in reach. With 28 library locations, bookmobiles, kiosks, and 7-day service across the board, it ranks among the top public libraries in the nation. Michael shared proudly that the library is funded by a voter-approved tax measure renewed for 25 years—valued at up to $12 billion. That level of public support allows SFPL to maintain exceptional collections, staffing, and access.

Q: Could you share a story from a library user that really touched you?

A: The phrase that sticks with Michael is one he hears often: “The library saved my life.” Whether it’s someone discovering a book that reflects their identity or finding a staff member who showed them kindness at a tough moment—those human connections are powerful. It’s a reminder that libraries are more than buildings. They’re lifelines.

Q: If you could rewrite the job description for a library director today, what would it say?

A: Michael sees library directors as community leaders and public servants first. It’s no longer just about books—it’s about aligning people, technology, space, and budgets to address the community’s biggest needs. In his words, they’re “inventing the future,” and that includes being connectors, amplifiers of culture, and navigators who help residents find their way to better lives.

Q: What is the Night of Ideas, and how did SFPL get involved?

A: This one’s straight out of France. It’s a cultural diplomacy initiative that SFPL joined in 2019, turning the Main Library into a hub of debate, performance, art, and big ideas—often until the early morning hours. The event has become so popular that it’s outgrown its original space, spilling into surrounding plazas and attracting crowds of up to 12,000. It’s free, festive, and proof that libraries can be cultural powerhouses.

Q: What moment from the Night of Ideas made you happiest?

A: For Michael, one highlight was having the Mayor of San Francisco attend for the first time. It was a visible symbol of support. He also loved seeing the library packed with families during the “Afternoon of Ideas,” a youth-focused prelude to the evening festivities. It’s a joyful reminder of how libraries bring people together.

Q: What impact has Night of Ideas had on your community and institution?

A: Beyond joy and engagement, Night of Ideas has elevated the library’s visibility and goodwill. It’s become a moment when the community sees the library in a new light. Even the Mayor’s protocol office sent croissants and a handwritten thank-you afterward. That kind of recognition deepens support for the library’s mission.

Q: Tell us about the addiction recovery book project.

A: This was a grassroots idea that grew into something powerful. After a librarian suggested partnering with Supervisor Matt Dorsey—who is in recovery himself—they launched a program to offer free recovery books in multiple languages at every SFPL location. No ID or library card needed. It’s been a quiet but life-changing initiative.

Q: Why keep the recovery collection low-key and discreet?

A: To protect the dignity of those seeking help. Michael explained that by making the collection visible but not flashy, patrons can access what they need without stigma or shame. It’s all about meeting people where they are.

Q: What other programs are reaching underserved communities?

A: Kiosks have become a smart solution. Instead of building new branches, SFPL places automated kiosks in neighborhoods lacking nearby libraries—like Treasure Island and Dogpatch. It’s cost-effective and community-centered.

Q: How do you navigate political attacks on diversity and inclusion efforts?

A: Michael is pragmatic. He believes in fighting the good fight, but also understands the need to protect the institution and its staff. That sometimes means choosing strategic silence over confrontation. The mission is too important to risk.

Q: Are you seeing backlash or hate mail personally?

A: Surprisingly, no. San Francisco voters overwhelmingly support the library—over 82% approved the funding measure. Still, he admits the work isn’t always easy, and you can’t please everyone. But you keep showing up.

Q: What skills should future library leaders develop?

A: Keep learning. Even after grad school, Michael immersed himself in leadership books, emotional intelligence, and ideas from outside the field. He encourages students to think beyond the MLS and stay curious.

Q: What kinds of experience should students seek out?

A: Any experience is valuable—page work, volunteering, internships. Start anywhere you can, build your network, and don’t be afraid to begin at the bottom. That’s exactly how he started.

Q: How do you guide volunteers into library careers?

A: SFPL can’t assign volunteers to traditional staff roles due to union rules, but they find creative ways to involve the public—through tutoring, youth councils, and advisory boards. These experiences often become stepping stones to careers.

Q: How should students prepare to work with labor unions?

A: Build trust. Michael emphasized that good relationships with labor are built over time through transparency, respect, and a shared commitment to service.

Q: What leadership lessons have stuck with you most?

A: Two big ones. First, don’t wear your politics on your sleeve—it can cost you support. And second, always aim for service excellence. That means delivering the best for your community with the resources you have.

Q: How do you take care of yourself?

A: Exercise, routine, sleep, and resilience. Michael walks or bikes through Golden Gate Park after work, keeps a regular sleep schedule, and has learned—sometimes the hard way—that burnout helps no one. Taking care of yourself is essential to taking care of others.