PRESS RELEASE - A New Executive Director for Friends

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    
April 16, 2024   

SAN FRANCISCO, CA—The Friends of the San Francisco Public Library (Friends), a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for and supporting a premier public library in San Francisco, is thrilled to announce Emily Garvie’s appointment as its new Executive Director.  

As a leader with a proven track record in fundraising, Garvie brings her extensive experience in non-profits to Friends at this exciting strategic moment. As the organization grows in its reach and impact, Garvie is well prepared to advance Friends’ mission as the Library’s investors, advocates, and champions.   
“The board is excited to welcome Emily Garvie as our new Executive Director,” said Rebecca Charnas Grant, Chair of the Friends Board of Directors. “Her leadership and vision will advance our robust legacy and ensure Friends continues to make a meaningful impact in our community.”   

“It is an honor to join Friends of the San Francisco Public Library at this moment and work alongside Friends’ dedicated board, staff, volunteers, and supporters, who make an exceptional difference in our community. I believe that together we can continue our strong Library partnership, grow Friends’ support for its spaces and programs, and ensure that the San Francisco Public Library remains a vibrant hub at the forefront of libraries nationally in this moment of heightened potential and need.”   

“I think it would be hard to overstate the importance of well-functioning public libraries as our society grapples with persistent inequality, growing divisions between communities, and a lack of faith in public systems,” continued Garvie. “I feel inspired and proud every time I walk into a public library in San Francisco, and I look forward to working with Friends to support and advance these jewels at the heart of our community.”  

Garvie lives in San Francisco with her family and has worked at the Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation and as the Executive Director of the Performing Arts Workshop. She also volunteers on the SFUSD Public Education Enrichment Fund Community Advisory Council, and is on the board of the South of Market Childcare Center. 
Garvie’s tenure at Friends will start on May 13, 2024, and she looks forward to meeting with the partners that make up the Friends community.   

About Friends of the San Francisco Public Library:  
Friends of the San Francisco Public Library is a diverse community of individuals, families, and institutions whose mission is to strengthen, support, and advocate for a premier public library system in San Francisco. Since 1961, Friends has championed free public access to information, resources, and opportunities for all people. Friends envisions a future of our libraries as robust centers of 21st-century literacy, economic opportunity, life-long learning, discovery, and community life.  
  
Media Contact: 
Michael-Vincent D’Anella-Mercanti   
Communications & Advocacy Director   
[email protected]   ​

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