Ramiro S. Salazar Announces Retirement as Library Director
Published on January 25, 2024
SAN ANTONIO (January 25, 2024) – After many years of dedicated service to our community, Ramiro S. Salazar, Director of the San Antonio Public Library (SAPL), announced his retirement and his last day in the office is March 1, 2024.
“Ramiro has been an invaluable member of our COSA team,” City Manager Erik Walsh said, “contributing significantly to the growth and success of the San Antonio Public Library system. He has demonstrated unwavering commitment to fostering literacy, education, and a love for learning among all our residents. The San Antonio Public Library is a model for innovative and impactful library services and San Antonio is fortunate to have had Ramiro as a leader.”
Salazar has served as Library Director for 19 years, having joined the City of San Antonio in April of 2005. Salazar has been responsible for managing a team of over 550 employees who deliver library services to residents in San Antonio and Bexar County, including the downtown Central Library and 29 library locations.
“It has been both a privilege and an honor to serve as the Library Director for the San Antonio Public Library,” Ramiro Salazar said. “My whole library career, which has spanned more than forty years, has been driven by my commitment to making our libraries stronger and more accessible to the community. The decision to step away from this important role, which I have cherished so deeply, was not an easy one to make. I leave with pride knowing that the staff will keep the library strong through their dedication and commitment to public service.
“I’m proud that the San Antonio Public Library services have continued to evolve as technologies have emerged to allow the library to diversify our books and materials offerings to include e-books and other electronic resources. We’re experiencing unprecedented growth in digital books and materials presently. Additionally, I’ve continued to champion the important work of renovating several branch library locations, including a $12.5 million transformative renovation to the Carver Branch Library. The future of the San Antonio Public Library is very bright, and I am eager to watch this organization continue to grow and improve the lives of people in San Antonio. A new strategic plan is expected to be rolled out soon. I can’t think of a better time to step back and watch new ideas take root at SAPL, and I am immensely proud of the continuing work of the library staff who embody and push forward the mission of the San Antonio Public Library every day.”
Among Salazar’s accomplishments at SAPL are the expansion of the San Antonio Public Library system from 20 locations in 2005 to 30 locations today. He also oversaw an increase of the Library’s operating budget from $20.8 million in 2005 to $53.5 million today. In 2017, in partnership with the San Antonio Public Library Foundation, he spearheaded the development and launch of the Latino Collection and Resource Center (LCRC), a cultural and education resource which chronicles and celebrates the literature, heritage, and contemporary life of Latinos in the United States. The LCRC is located prominently on the first floor of Central Library and features regular programs and events exploring Latino culture.
“Ramiro is the standard-bearer of public service and servant leadership,” said SAPL Board Chair Juspreet Kaur. “The Board is immensely grateful for the lasting contributions Ramiro has made over the years to the Library and to the San Antonio community. While we will miss him dearly, his combined 25 years of leadership in San Antonio has placed SAPL in an excellent position to continue to thrive.”
Before coming to San Antonio as Library Director, Salazar previously served as Director of the Dallas Public Library and El Paso Public Library. He also served as Interim Assistant City Manager in Dallas. This is Salazar’s second tour with San Antonio Public, previously serving as head of Main Library, in the late 1980’s.
Salazar is a former President of the Public Library Association, currently serves on the Public Library Section of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions and is a frequent presenter and panelist at professional convenings. He was also appointed by President Biden in March of 2023 to the National Board of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which advances, supports, and empowers America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development on a national level.
The San Antonio Public Library Board of Trustees and City of San Antonio, will name an interim Library Director prior to Salazar’s departure. A national search for a permanent Director will commence immediately that includes both internal and external applicants.