St. Louis Public Library announced today that Waller McGuire, Chief Executive Officer, will retire in October.
McGuire, who has served as Chief Executive Officer since 2004, joined the Library in 1989. During his 37 years of service, he prioritized both modernization and historic preservation. Perhaps the achievement that best embodies these efforts is the “Central to Your World” campaign and the revitalization of the historic Central Library. The 100-year-old building was restored and renewed by an almost entirely St. Louis-based team of architects and craftsmen, and it received virtually every available award, including the prestigious Honor Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
“Waller has expertly guided the Library through decades of challenge and change, and his vision has reinvigorated the Library and brought acclaim to St. Louis," said Vincent Volpe, St. Louis Public Library Board President. "The Board is grateful that he leaves us in a place of strength, well-positioned to move forward.”
Under his leadership, the Library expanded access to technology and digital services while maintaining its core mission of literacy and lifelong learning. Key initiatives included creating the first free digital makerspace in St. Louis—the Creative Experience at Central Library—which has since expanded to three locations, and developing original exhibits that highlight the Library’s extensive collections.
McGuire also guided the Library through significant challenges, including a ransomware attack and the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continued service to the community during critical times. His leadership helped establish the Library as a regional leader in early childhood literacy, with nationally recognized, award-winning programming.
In addition, McGuire fostered a groundbreaking partnership with the St. Louis County Library to better serve the community. Together, the systems eliminated overdue fines, merged their catalogs, and created a unified Summer Reading Program that engages partners across the region.
“Waller McGuire understood that a great library must evolve while staying true to its core values," said Board member John Dubinsky. "Through his leadership, the St. Louis Public Library expanded services, embraced new technologies, and remained steadfast in its commitment to intellectual freedom and public access to knowledge. The institution he leaves behind is stronger than ever.”
“Leading the St. Louis Public Library has been the honor of my life,” said McGuire. “I believe deeply in the mission and accomplishments of public libraries—a great American creation. The privilege of helping lead one of our nation’s foremost historic libraries has been both a challenge and a joy. I hope that I have repaid the trust St. Louis has invested in me.”
The Library’s Board of Directors will conduct a national search for McGuire’s successor and plans to have a new CEO in place by his October departure.
About St. Louis Public Library
The St. Louis Public Library (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 and provides high-speed wireless internet access to nearly 2 million people annually. SLPL also offers extensive digital resources, including computer access, Wi-Fi hotspots, 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.