"He was a strong advocate for social justice throughout his long life, a very kind person, and a mentor to many. " --Al Kagan
Herbert Biblo (1924-2018)
Herb and Mary Biblo
Herbert Biblo was the Executive Director of the Long Island Library Resources Council (LILRC) for thirty-five years.
He was a strong advocate for social justice throughout his long life, a very kind person, and a mentor to many.
Herb engaged in struggles for workers and civil rights, against apartheid in South Africa, and in many other US and international causes through his engagement in the American Library Association and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).
He was elected to the ALA Council from 1977 to 1989, 1992 to 1996, and 1999-2002, and ALA Treasurer from 1980 to 1984.
Herb joined ALA's Social Responsibilities Round Table (SRRT) soon after its inauguration and played a strong role in influencing SRRT policies and activities.
He worked with his distinguished partner, Mary Biblo, in the ALA Council and SRRT over these many years.
Herb vigorously advocated for all types of libraries in Long Island and throughout New York State through legislative and various other means.
Herb served as President of the Nassau County Library Association, won its 2000 LDA [publishers] Award for Excellence in Library Achievement, and received the Library Trustees Association of New York State Distinguished Service Award in 2010.
--Submitted by Al Kagan
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In honor of the Sesquicentennial (150th Anniversary of ALA) in 2026, the Library History Round Table is hosting Librarians We Have Lost, Sesquicentennial Memories -1976-2026. This collage of tributes seeks to honor librarians who died between 1976-2026. The tributes are published to ALA Connect and a digital memorial on LHRT News & Notes.
We invite tributes from anyone about any library worker who passed away between 1976-2026. To submit a tribute, please use the form at https://lhrt.news/librarians-we-have-lost-sesquicentennial-memories-1976-2026-2/
For questions or comments, please reach out to Dr. Kathleen McCook (kmccook@usf.edu) or Brett Spencer (dbs21@psu.edu).
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Brett Spencer
Reference Librarian
Thun Library, Penn State Berks
He/Him/His
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