Herbert Biblo passed away on March 30, 2018 in Stony Brook, NY. He was born in Brooklyn, served in the Army from 1943-1946 and graduated from City University of New York and the University of Chicago Library School.

 

Herbert will be remembered for his commitment to social justice and on behalf of libraries worldwide. His influence and activism was felt in the struggle for workers and civil rights, against apartheid, through engagement with the American Library Association (ALA) on issues of social responsibility and in New York State through advocacy or legislative actions in support all types of libraries. He willingly mentored and advised librarians locally and nationally giving his time, knowledge and support with a unique blend of humor and patience.

 

Herbert started his career in the Chicago Public Schools, moved to the John Crerar Library (at the Illinois Institute of Technology) and then served as the Director of the Long Island Library Resources Council from 1982 until 2018. He served as the ALA Treasurer from 1980-1984 and on the ALA Council as a Councillor-at-Large for 14 years. Further, he applied his passion for libraries to the work of International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) in which he participated for more than 25 years.

 

He is survived by his wife, Mary, and two children.

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Statement from the LILRC Board of Trustees

 

It is with great sadness that the Board of Trustees of the LI Library Resources Council acknowledges the passing of its long-time Executive Director, Mr. Herb Biblo. We also recognize that Herb would have wanted us to focus on his lifetime of achievement rather than dwelling on this loss.

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Herb Biblo was a very talented director of LILRC. He displayed leadership and a commitment to excellence throughout the 35 years that he steered this organization. Colleagues in the library world recognized his intelligence, knowledge, kindness and integrity. He was a modest man, who was reluctant to take credit for the work that he performed. He championed the LILRC staff, providing guidance and encouragement for each one of them to excel in their work as well. A forward-thinker, his quiet steady hand on LILRC’s Archive Committee and Conference on the Future Committee, as well as in the academic library arena have created long-lasting conferences that are appreciated by the library community.

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Herb also had a strong commitment to social justice. He led in the fight for equality and diversity – long before these became the passion of the day. His support for intellectual freedom and democratic ideals were well-known.

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Herb Biblo was elected to leadership positions in the American Library Association, Nassau County Library Association, International Federation of Library Associations, and a number of other organizations as well.

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The Board extends its deepest sympathies to Herb’s wife, Mary, and his children. We can all take pride in having known and worked with Herb. Our lives have been bettered as a result.

If you wish to donate in memory of Herbert Biblo, these are the charitable organizations he supported in his lifetime.

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Rosenberg Fund for Children

116 Pleasant St., Suite 348

Easthampton, MA 01027

email: info@rfc.org, tel: (413) 529-0063, fax: (413) 529-0802, http://www.rfc.org/

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People Before Profits Education Fund (Chelsea Fund)

235 West 23rd Street

New York, NY 10011