Library Directors/Chief Librarians & Staff
Columbus Metropolitan Library is fortunate to have had several long-serving directors. In the early days of the library, the title “chief librarian” was used. As the number of staff increased, it was changed to director and finally Chief Executive Officer. The first three directors were with the library from the time period when it was at City Hall. Rev. James Grover (namesake of author James Thurber) became the first director in 1872 and was succeeded by John Pugh in 1896, who served until his death in 1946. Blanche Roberts, the first woman hired at the library and the assistant director for 40 years, became the library’s first woman director in 1946.
From its humble beginning with Rev. James Grover as the only employee in 1873 to nearly 900 employees in 2022, Columbus Metropolitan Library has invested heavily in its people. John Pugh, the second chief librarian, was the longest-serving staff member at 65 years. Carrie Ingle, technical services assistant, was a close second at 60 years.
Many Columbus Metropolitan Library staff members have been recognized as leaders in their fields. They have gone on to become library directors across the country as well as hold nonprofit, government and for-profit leadership positions. In addition to their dedicated work for the library, many employees are also musicians, poets, artists and community leaders, giving even more back to their communities.
