Veteran library administrator brings 27 years of experience and a commitment to innovation, accessibility and community engagement.
ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Public Library (SLPL) has announced the appointment of Jason Driver as its next Chief Executive Officer, marking a new chapter for one of the city’s most important educational and cultural institutions.
Driver will officially assume leadership on January 4, 2027, succeeding longtime CEO Waller McGuire, who retired in October following 37 years of service.
With more than 27 years of experience in public library administration, Driver brings extensive expertise in community outreach, strategic planning, educational programming and organizational leadership.
“After a national search, the Board of Directors believes we have found in Jason an outstanding leader with the vision and experience to lead SLPL forward,” said Board President Nina North-Murphy.
Since 2022, Driver has served as Director of Kitsap Regional Library, overseeing strategic operations, financial management, communications and initiatives focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Previously, he held several leadership positions with the Chicago Public Library, including District Chief, where he supervised 14 branch managers and worked to ensure neighborhood libraries delivered responsive, high-quality services. His earlier positions included Regional Library Director, Branch Manager, Early Literacy Specialist and Children’s Librarian.
“I am honored and excited to serve as the next CEO of St. Louis Public Library,” Driver said, emphasizing his commitment to strengthening community relationships and expanding services to meet residents’ evolving needs.
Driver inherits a library system serving more than 135,000 active cardholders across 15 locations. SLPL welcomes approximately 1.2 million visitors annually and maintains a collection exceeding four million books and other materials.
Beyond traditional lending services, the library provides computer access, Wi-Fi hotspots, digital learning resources and technology education. Its Creative Experience makerspace labs at the Barr, Central and Julia Davis locations offer additional opportunities for innovation and hands-on learning.
As St. Louis continues addressing educational disparities and digital access challenges, Driver’s leadership will be instrumental in strengthening the library’s role as an accessible community resource.
His appointment represents an opportunity to build upon SLPL’s historic legacy while ensuring its services remain relevant, inclusive and responsive to future generations.
