ST LOUIS - The St. Louis Public Library (SLPL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Driver as its next Chief Executive Officer, ushering a new chapter of leadership, focused on innovation, community engagement and expanding access to library services throughout the City of St. Louis.
Driver, who will assume the new role on January 4, 2027, brings over 27 years of experience in public libraries, specializing in community outreach, management, patron education, program planning and a strong commitment to the transformative power of public libraries.
“After a national search, the Board of Directors believes we have found in Jason an outstanding leader with the vision and experience to lead SLPL forward,” said Board President Nina North-Murphy. “A library system like SLPL, with a rich history and strong foundation, that serves a vital role in the community, needs someone who will continue to strengthen what is already there, while finding new and innovative ways to build on that. We believe Jason, with his extensive background and experience, will do just that.”
Most recently, Driver has served as Director of Kitsap Regional Library since 2022. In that role he oversaw all aspects of the system’s short and long-range strategic goals, maintained effective, consistent multi-channel communication with staff and customers, and provided strategic leadership in the areas of finance, communications, public services and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Prior to that, he served as District Chief for the Chicago Public Library, supervising 14 branch managers, ensuring consistent library services to neighborhood branches and evaluating the quality of services and programs to meet the specific needs of their communities. He also has held roles at CPL as the Regional Library Director, a Branch Manager, an Early Literacy Specialist and a Children’s Librarian.
“I am honored and excited to serve as the next CEO of St. Louis Public Library,” Driver said. “SLPL has a remarkable history, a strong foundation and an exciting future ahead. I look forward to building on that legacy while exploring new opportunities to expand services, strengthen community connections and ensure the Library continues to meet the evolving needs of those it serves. St. Louis is a vibrant city with diverse communities, and I am eager to work alongside SLPL’s dedicated staff to make an even greater impact in the lives of residents throughout the city.”
Longtime SLPL CEO Waller McGuire retired in October after 37 years of service to the system, prioritizing both modernization and historic preservation.
SLPL has 15 locations throughout the city and welcomes over 1.2 million visitors each year. With a collection of more than 4 million books and items, the Library serves over 135,000 active cardholders. SLPL also offers extensive digital resources, including computer access, computer classes and online learning opportunities. Additionally, it features digital makerspace labs called Creative Experience at three of its locations--Barr, Central and Julia Davis. The Library is committed to providing learning resources and information services that enhance and improve the lives of individuals, families and the community as a whole.