Ousted Boston library chief will open new chapter in New York

(Globe file photo/1998)

By Donovan Slack, Globe Staff

The embattled former head of the Boston Public Library has been hired as the New York state librarian and assistant commissioner of education in Albany.

The New York state Board of Regents confirmed the appointment of Bernard A. Margolis at a meeting today.

"Just as the Yankees took Babe Ruth, Boston's loss is our gain," said Tom Dunn, New York education department spokesman. "We are thrilled."

Margolis spent 11 years as president of the Boston library system before he was ousted last year by Mayor Thomas M. Menino, who complained that Margolis paid too much attention to the main Copley Square branch at the expense of the 27 neighborhood branches. Margolis denied the charge, compared the Menino administration to an authoritarian regime and said Menino's "anti-intellectual bent" threatened the integrity of the renowned library, one of the oldest in the nation.

Margolis was not the first department head to leave the administration with ill feelings but he has so far been the most outspoken. The harsh public statements about Menino prompted a state ethics probe of possible patronage hiring by the Menino administration and made finding another post more difficult for Margolis.

"I am thrilled about this wonderful opportunity to lead New York's State Library," Margolis said today. "It will be rewarding ....and fun."

In New York, he will oversee one of the largest research libraries in the nation with over 20 million collection items and nearly $100 million in state and federal aid to local libraries.

After a six-month nationwide search, the city of Boston recently hired a librarian from Minneapolis to take over the library presidency. Amy Ryan, who began work earlier this month, received high marks from Menino, who said when she was selected that she has "the skills necessary to make our libraries work for everyone. From the magnificent main branch at Copley to our 26 community branches the Boston Public Library should be a treasure for all."

Donovan Slack can be reached at dslack@globe.com.

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