Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) has named longtime staff member Edwin B. Maxwell as its new Chief Librarian, placing him at the helm of one of New York City’s largest and most dynamic library systems.
Maxwell, who has spent nearly two decades with BPL, officially assumed the post on Wednesday. In his new role, he will oversee the library’s public services, guiding operations across its extensive network of branches and programs.
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Since joining BPL as a youth services librarian, Maxwell has played a pivotal role in developing innovative community-centered initiatives. Early in his career, he founded the Growing Dollars and Sense Teen Virtual Investment Club, connecting young people with financial professionals to foster financial literacy.
He later led the New Lots Library branch, which earned the prestigious Revson Award for outstanding community service under his leadership. More recently, as Senior Director of Neighborhood Services, Maxwell managed nearly 700 employees, oversaw operations for 60 branches, and directed satellite services, including BPL’s bookmobiles. He also spearheaded the expansion of satellite programs, launched the Teen Tech Center network, and advanced the library’s commitments to environmental sustainability and civic engagement.
“Brooklyn Public Library is one of New York City’s most powerful civic institutions, and it has been my home for almost two decades,” Maxwell said in a statement. “I’ve seen firsthand how our branches transform lives. I am humbled to take on this role and to advance our mission of ensuring Brooklyn has a library system that reflects its people, meets their needs, and opens new possibilities.”
Maxwell succeeds Nick Higgins, who concluded nearly 20 years of service at BPL. Higgins earned national recognition for launching the ‘Books Unbanned’ program, which offered library cards to readers in states affected by book bans, and was named to the TIME100 Next list in 2023.
