Director, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
We’d like to congratulate Buffalo & Erie County Public Library on their new Director, Christine Schonhart.
Christine is a forward-thinking public library executive with more than 25 years of experience leading complex, multi-branch urban library systems. She currently serves as Deputy Chief Librarian at Brooklyn Public Library, where she oversees public services across 61 locations, supporting approximately 800 staff. In this role, she ensures consistent, high-quality service delivery that aligns with the library vision and strategic plan, while advancing a culture of innovation, inclusion, and accountability across the system.
Christine has held senior leadership roles at Brooklyn Public Library, King County Library System, and Boston Public Library, where she directed operations, guided strategic planning efforts, and managed significant capital investments, including multiple branch renovations and Central Library improvements. She has led organizations through periods of transformation, including COVID-19 reopening efforts, and has successfully launched innovative programs, like a vinyl lending collection, and exhibitions that deepen community engagement and expand access to library resources.
Christine is deeply committed to building inclusive, responsive library systems that meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve. She earned her undergraduate degree from SUNY Fredonia and her MLIS from the University of Buffalo.
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