Boston Public Library Appoints 2 New Board Members

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Mayor Marty Walsh announced two appointments to the Boston Public Library’s Board of Trustees Monday, including Chair of the Board.

Bob Gallery, President of Bank of America Massachusetts, has been elected Chair of the Boston Public Library Board of Trustees. Gallery and Cheryl Cronin, Partner at Cronin & Leonard LLP, were sworn-in to serve on the BPL Board of Trustees on Monday, Nov. 23, and participated in the Board’s special meeting Monday morning at the Central Library in Copley Square.

“Bob Gallery’s and Cheryl Cronin’s exceptional experience will bring valuable perspective to the board,” said Mayor Walsh. “Both Bob and Cheryl have a proven track record of success in their respective industries and will make a perfect fit for leading the nation’s first large, free municipal library. I thank them for their willingness to serve in this capacity, and look forward to seeing the collective work of the board in its efforts to make our library system accessible assets for the people of Boston, the Commonwealth, and visitors from all around the world.”

“The Boston Public Library Board of Trustees, together with Mayor Walsh, are providing renewed strategic guidance and oversight for the library’s mission as a whole,” said David Leonard, Interim President of the Boston Public Library. “I look forward to the new insights and deep experience that Bob Gallery and Cheryl Cronin will bring to their Board roles, and to the work and innovations we are committed to, serving the residents of Boston and the Commonwealth.”

The Boston Public Library Board of Trustees establishes policies and long-term goals of the library, oversees the general operating and administrative policies, and acts as an agent of public trust governing the library. The BPL Board of Trustees works together with the library president to carry out responsibilities that involve governance and policy-making, finances, strategic planning, human resources, and continuing education affairs.

“It is an honor to be appointed to the Boston Public Library’s Board of Trustees and I am humbled to be elected to serve as Chair,” said Gallery. “The role the Boston Public Library plays in this city, in the lives of residents and for visitors is tremendous and I am dedicated to strengthening our system and continuing to provide additional resources to the community. I would like to thank Mayor Walsh and my colleagues on the board for this opportunity, I look forward to working together for a brighter future for the Boston Public Library.”

“I have been passionate about the Boston Public Library for 25 years, since I first began visiting it with my sons when they were young,” said Cronin. “The BPL is an iconic revered institution that plays such an integral part in enriching the lives of our children as well as adults. It is a real privilege to serve the Library and city in this way, and I thank Mayor Walsh for this wonderful opportunity.”