State Representative Byron Rushing Named as Trustee of Boston Public Library

State Representative Byron Rushing was named as the newest Trustee to the Boston Public Library system by Mayor Thomas Menino today.

"At a time when libraries are changing and our city and state face difficult economic challenges, Byron Rushing is the kind of dedicated leader that will work hard to make a difference as a Trustee of the Boston Public Library," said Menino. "Byron has already done great things for the Boston community throughout his career as a staunch advocate for the residents of this city and lawmaker on Beacon Hill, and I thank him for his willingness to take on this new role in serving his fellow citizens of Boston."

Rushing, D-South End, was first elected to the House in 1983.

The Boston mayor appoints the trustees, who govern the library system, which has an annual budget of about $39 million. 

The other eight current board members are: Jeffrey B. Rudman, Evelyn Arana-Ortiz, James Carroll, Carol Fulp, Paul A. LaCamera, Zamawa Arenas, Donna M. DePrisco, and Berthé M. Gaines.

"I am honored to welcome Representative Rushing to our board," said Rudman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. "Civic leaders, business leaders, scholars, and authors have long been a part of the Boston Public Library board. Representative Rushing's appointment is in keeping with that tradition."

Rushing will be the lone trustee who is a Massachusetts legislator. State Representative Angelo Scaccia stopped being a trustee in 2009 after nine years.

"Representative Rushing brings a keen understanding of community needs and an appreciation of how important libraries are today and will be for future generations," said Amy E. Ryan, President of the Boston Public Library.