Saratogan Nancy Howe Takes the Helm as Santa Clara County Librarian

Saratoga resident Nancy Howe has officially been appointed to the position of County Librarian for Santa Clara County Library District by County Executive Jeffrey V. Smith, following a nationwide recruitment with candidates from around the country.

“Nancy has an unwavering commitment to service excellence and passion for the transformative role of the public library in our community,” said Smith.   “Throughout her tenure she has contributed to building a highly regarded Santa Clara County Library District, a national leader in the use of innovative library technology and its stellar library collection.” 

Howe has served as the acting county librarian since April. She has worked for more than 17 years at the Library District, with increasing levels of responsibility, and served as deputy county librarian for information technology and collection since 2008.

Howe has been an integral part of Santa Clara County Library District growth and transformation, which includes milestones such as the digitization of information and e-book usage.

Under her direction, Santa Clara County Library is now preparing to celebrate 100 years of service in 2014.

“Nancy has proven experience and skills to lead our thriving Library District,” said Lana Malloy, Santa Clara County Library District Joint Powers Authority Chairwoman and Monte Sereno resident. “We look forward to continue developing new programs and services under her direction.” 

“I am delighted and honored to become County Librarian,” said Howe. “The public library continues to be the heart of the community, the champion of literacy, and the space for ideas and life-long learning. Public libraries are thriving across the country, and I would like everyone to be aware of the amazing and innovative services offered at libraries."

Santa Clara County Supervisor Liz Kniss, a County Library District Joint Powers Authority delegate, said: “Santa Clara County Library District is consistently ranked one of the very best library systems in the United States, and we believe the dedicated staff is one of the reasons the District continues to be an example at the national level ... Nancy has played a key role on the team and will now provide comprehensive leadership.”

Prior to joining the Library, Howe was the director of planning, fund distribution and community services for United Way of Silicon Valley and an active community volunteer.

Howe received her B.A. and her masters in Library and Information Science from the University of California Los Angeles. In 2011, she completed a leadership program at Harvard, and recently completed the Santa County County’s Center for Leadership Transormation (CLT) at Stanford.

Howe and her husband, John, have lived in Saratoga for 25 years and have two children.