Pasadena Library Commission Chair Inducted into the California Library Hall of Fame

Pasadena Library Commission Chair and former Interim Pasadena Public Library Director Robert Karatsu. [Photo courtesy California Library Association]

Library Commission Chair and former Interim Pasadena Public Library Director Robert Karatsu was inducted into the California Library Hall of Fame at the California Library Association’s annual conference in Sacramento on Friday, June 3.

Tim McDonald, Acting Director of Libraries and Information Services made the announcement this week through the weekly newsletter.

Karatsu previously worked for the Labasa Public Library, Western Costume Company in Hollywood and the Rancho Cucamonga Public Library, to name a few.

The Rancho Cucamonga Public Library won the Institute of Museum and Library Services National Medal in 2013 during his tenure. This medal is the highest honor that the federal government can bestow on an American library.

In 2014, Karatsu became the President of the California Library Association.

Even after his retirement, he continues to volunteer in the library community serving as the Chair of the Pasadena Public Library Commission as well as a Board member of the Pasadena Public Library Foundation.