Sari Feldman is widely recognized as an influential American library leader whose career has focused on public service, literacy, community programs, and the changing role of libraries. Her work connected traditional library services with education, technology, outreach, and community development. Over several decades, she built a reputation for thoughtful leadership and for promoting libraries as important places for learning and connection.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sari Feldman |
| Profession | Librarian and library leader |
| Known For | Public library leadership and literacy advocacy |
| Education | B.A. in English; Master’s in Library Science |
| Undergraduate School | State University of New York at Binghamton |
| Graduate School | University of Wisconsin–Madison |
| Major Leadership Role | Executive Director, Cuyahoga County Public Library |
| ALA Presidency | 2015–2016 |
| PLA Presidency | 2009–2010 |
| Career Field | Public libraries, education, literacy, and community service |
Early Life and Education
Sari Feldman was born in South Fallsburg, New York, and developed an academic background that later supported her career in librarianship. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the State University of New York at Binghamton. She later completed a Master of Library Science degree at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. During her graduate education, she worked as a jail librarian, an experience that reflected the importance she placed on making information accessible to people from different backgrounds.
Career Beginnings
Sari Feldman began building her professional reputation through roles in public libraries and community services. Her early career included work with the Onondaga County Public Library in New York, where she became involved in programs supporting children, families, and early literacy. She later moved to Ohio and joined the Cleveland Public Library in 1997. There, she became head of community services and eventually served as deputy director.
Leadership at Cuyahoga County Public Library
A major stage of Sari Feldman’s career began when she became executive director of the Cuyahoga County Public Library in 2003. She remained in that position until her retirement in 2019. During her leadership, the library system was repeatedly recognized for strong performance and service. Her approach emphasized reading, community engagement, family services, innovation, and the idea that libraries should respond to changing public needs.
The Cuyahoga County Public Library became known as one of the country’s leading public library systems during her tenure. Her leadership also involved partnerships, advocacy, professional development, and efforts to make library services relevant in a digital age.
American Library Association Presidency
Sari Feldman reached another important milestone when she was elected president of the American Library Association for the 2015–2016 term. The position placed her in a national leadership role at a time when libraries were adapting to rapid changes in technology, publishing, information access, and public expectations.
One of the most notable initiatives associated with her ALA presidency was Libraries Transform, a national public awareness campaign designed to highlight the value of libraries. The campaign encouraged communities to look beyond the traditional image of a library and recognize its role in education, technology, workforce development, literacy, and civic life.
Public Library Association Leadership
Before becoming ALA president, Sari Feldman served as president of the Public Library Association from 2009 to 2010. This role added to her influence within the public library profession and gave her an opportunity to work with library professionals across the United States.
Her professional involvement included committees, advisory groups, boards, conferences, and educational programs. She also wrote and spoke about library management, literacy, advocacy, and innovation. These activities helped make her a recognized voice in discussions about the future of public libraries.
Teaching and Professional Development
Sari Feldman also contributed to library education. She served as an adjunct faculty member at Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies, where she taught graduate-level subjects related to library management, reference services, policy, and grant writing. Her teaching connected academic learning with practical experience from a long career in public libraries.
Her work as an educator also earned recognition. Syracuse University honored her with a Vice President’s Award for Teacher of the Year in 1995. This part of her career shows that her influence extended beyond library administration and into professional education.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Sari Feldman received several awards for leadership and community service. Among them was the Public Library Association’s Charlie Robinson Award in 2013, which recognized innovation in library service. She was also named a Woman of Note by Crain’s Cleveland Business and received a YWCA Woman of Achievement award.
Other recognition included the Jane Donelson Player of the Year Award from the USA Toy Library Association and community leadership honors. These awards reflect the broad range of her work, from library innovation to education and community engagement.
Retirement and Continuing Influence
Sari Feldman retired from the Cuyahoga County Public Library in August 2019 after more than four decades in the library profession. Her retirement marked the end of a long period of executive leadership, but it did not erase her influence on the field.
Her career remains an example of how public libraries can evolve while keeping reading, learning, and community service at the center of their mission. Her work also demonstrates the importance of strong leadership when libraries face changes in technology, funding, public expectations, and information access.
Why Her Career Matters
The story of Sari Feldman is important because it illustrates how modern librarianship goes far beyond organizing books. Public libraries now provide technology access, educational programs, literacy support, community resources, cultural activities, and opportunities for lifelong learning.
Her leadership emphasized the need to understand what communities actually need and to build services around those needs. Her career also highlights the importance of advocacy. By promoting the value of libraries at local and national levels, she helped reinforce the idea that libraries remain essential public institutions.
Legacy in Public Libraries
Sari Feldman left a lasting mark through her work with major library organizations and public library systems. Her leadership at Cuyahoga County Public Library, her service with the Public Library Association, and her presidency of the American Library Association all contributed to her professional legacy.
Her focus on literacy, innovation, partnerships, and community service continues to provide useful lessons for library professionals. Rather than viewing libraries as static institutions, her work encouraged a broader understanding of them as active community centers that can adapt to social and technological change.
Conclusion
Sari Feldman built a long and respected career around public libraries, education, literacy, and community service. From her early professional roles to executive leadership in Ohio and national service through the American Library Association, her career reflects a sustained commitment to making libraries useful and accessible.
Her achievements show why effective library leadership matters. By supporting innovation while keeping reading and community needs at the center, she helped demonstrate the continuing value of public libraries in modern society.
FAQs
1. Who is Sari Feldman?
Sari Feldman is an American librarian and former public library executive known for national library leadership.
2. What was Sari Feldman’s major leadership role?
She served as executive director of Cuyahoga County Public Library from 2003 until 2019.
3. When was Sari Feldman president of the ALA?
She served as president of the American Library Association during 2015–2016.
4. What is Sari Feldman known for?
She is known for public library leadership, literacy advocacy, innovation, and community-focused services.
5. When did Sari Feldman retire?
She retired from the Cuyahoga County Public Library in August 2019.
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