Candidate for PLA Director-at-Large

Chris Brown is the commissioner of the Chicago Public Library. His work focuses on how public libraries strengthen neighborhoods, families, and civic life through reading, access, and inclusive public space. His career spans rural, county, urban, and resource-constrained library systems, from frontline service to system leadership, beginning as a library page and teen services associate. In Chicago, Brown has focused on removing structural barriers to access, including securing a data-sharing agreement with Chicago Public Schools—developed in partnership with the Mayor’s Office—that will automatically provide approximately 320,000 students with a public library card through their student ID.

During the initial and recent rise in book challenges nationwide, Brown helped launch the Chicago Public Library’s Book Sanctuary initiative, which has supported libraries across the country with shared language, framing, and advocacy tools. Earlier in his career, he helped pilot one of the first public library partnerships with Headspace to expand access to mental health resources, led veterans storytelling work supported by the California State Library, and served as editor of the Journal of Library Administration. He credits the California library field with raising him professionally and is a proud former member of the California Library Association Board. Brown currently serves on the boards of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago and Latinos Progresando. He holds master’s degrees in Public Administration and Library and Information Science—his wife has made it clear those degrees are enough. He is a proud Filipino and the first Filipino commissioner of the Chicago Public Library. At home, he is most proud of being the nightly picture-book reader for his toddler.

Personal Statement

“I want to serve in PLA leadership because public libraries are sustained by people, including our workforce, our partners, and the families and readers who depend on us, and those relationships need strengthening at a moment when our shared values are under real strain. As reading proficiency declines and library workers navigate challenges related to intellectual freedom, information integrity, safety, and rapid technological change, I believe PLA can play a vital role by fostering intentional convening, documented discussion, and coalition-building with our media, cultural, and education partners so libraries are better supported in the work they do every day.”