Edwin HOLMGREN
A native of Rock Springs, Wyoming, Edwin graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford University and received a Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Illinois. Edwin was a reference librarian in Gary, Indiana, before becoming Assistant Director of the Summit Public Library in New Jersey. He and his wife Priscilla relocated to Bangkok, where Edwin had a USAID contract to set up an emergency library for the Thai Highway Department. After serving in senior library administrative positions in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Rochester, New York, Edwin joined The New York Public Library in December 1970 as Chief Librarian for the Branch Libraries. He was named Director in October 1972 and retired on June 18, 1996, as Senior Vice President and Director of the Branch Libraries.
During Edwin’s tenure at NYPL, numerous branches were remodeled or renovated, including a complete reconfiguration of the Mid-Manhattan Library. He was instrumental in opening the new Andrew Heiskell Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. LEO, the online integrated system which connected all branches for the first time, was a crowning achievement of his career.
In retirement, Edwin continued to take full advantage of New York’s cultural scene. He volunteered for many years in the recording studio at the Andrew Heiskell Library. He enjoyed travel and used his creativity to become a book artist.
See New York Public Library Retirees Newsletter, Issue 26, page 20.
See New York Public Library Retirees Newsletter, Issue 20, page 4.
See New York Public Library Retirees Newsletter, Issue 8, page 7.
A native of Rock Springs, Wyoming, Edwin graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford University and received a Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Illinois. Edwin was a reference librarian in Gary, Indiana, before becoming Assistant Director of the Summit Public Library in New Jersey. He and his wife Priscilla relocated to Bangkok, where Edwin had a USAID contract to set up an emergency library for the Thai Highway Department. After serving in senior library administrative positions in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Rochester, New York, Edwin joined The New York Public Library in December 1970 as Chief Librarian for the Branch Libraries. He was named Director in October 1972 and retired on June 18, 1996, as Senior Vice President and Director of the Branch Libraries.
During Edwin’s tenure at NYPL, numerous branches were remodeled or renovated, including a complete reconfiguration of the Mid-Manhattan Library. He was instrumental in opening the new Andrew Heiskell Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. LEO, the online integrated system which connected all branches for the first time, was a crowning achievement of his career.
In retirement, Edwin continued to take full advantage of New York’s cultural scene. He volunteered for many years in the recording studio at the Andrew Heiskell Library. He enjoyed travel and used his creativity to become a book artist.
See New York Public Library Retirees Newsletter, Issue 26, page 20.
See New York Public Library Retirees Newsletter, Issue 20, page 4.
See New York Public Library Retirees Newsletter, Issue 8, page 7.