Title: Director and Administrator (Retired)
Company: Azusa City Library
Location: La Habra Heights, California, United States
Albert Tovar, retired director and administrator at Azusa City Library, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in library and information services.
Mr. Tovar’s stellar career in library science and public service spans more than four decades, marked by a steadfast commitment to community engagement and educational advancement. Most recently, he excelled as the director and administrator of the Azusa City Library prior to his recent retirement. In this capacity, Mr. Tovar was responsible for overseeing the operation of the city’s main library, developing comprehensive service plans, managing and defending the library budget before the city council, and reporting directly to the city manager. As a member of the executive management team, he contributed to policy decisions, strategic planning and emergency preparedness while representing both the city and its library at official functions.
From 2001 to 2009, Mr. Tovar found success in dual roles as the director of library services and department head for the city of Azusa, as well as administrator of the Azusa City Library. During this period, he played a pivotal role in strengthening relationships between the library, local schools and community organizations. Notably, he facilitated a joint venture agreement with the school district to construct a new library, a process that required a year of dedicated relationship-building. He also collaborated with Azusa Pacific University to create federal work-study opportunities and tutoring programs in mathematics at the library. His efforts fostered greater visibility for the library within the community and established him as an active participant in local events and networks.
Prior to his tenure in Azusa, Mr. Tovar served as senior librarian for LA County Public Library from 1980 to 2001. In this role, he managed branch operations, developed programming and mentored staff across multiple locations. From 1977 to 1980, he worked as a librarian for LA County Public Library, where he further honed his skills in public service and information management. His professional journey began as a library assistant at Automobile Club Southern California in Los Angeles between 1976 and 1977.
Mr. Tovar’s leadership extended beyond his primary roles into significant industry-related organizations and advisory committees. He was appointed as chapter president of The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking (REFORMA) from 1984 to 1985, co-founded the REFORMA LA Chapter in 1981 and participated on the Master Plan Task Force for the California State Library in 1983. He is a lifetime member of the American Library Association and has been involved with the California Library Association. Since 2012, he has offered his expertise to the Diversity Council for the Information Studies Department at the University of California, Los Angeles, and chaired the CSUF Latino Advisory Committee for Los Amigos Education Committee in Orange County in 2013.
Mr. Tovar’s civic involvement includes his tenure as president of the board of directors for Rosie’s Garage since 2011, a nonprofit focused on youth education, and president of the board for Latino Community Diabetes Council since 1997. Earlier efforts include membership on the Community Advisory Council for the University of Southern California Comprehensive Cancer Center in 1984 and participation on the LA County Department of Parks’ 16th September Festival Committee from 1982 to 1984.
Throughout his career, Mr. Tovar has been recognized with numerous honors such as the President’s Award in 1996, multiple Awards of Honor from American Diabetes Association Los Angeles between 1989 and 1995, USJC’s Outstanding Young Men of America Award in 1984 and a Meritorious Award for Community Service from the American Cancer Society. He is also an accomplished author and contributor to professional literature. He authored “Ethnic Collections in Libraries” in 1983 and has published articles in various professional journals.
To support his professional ambitions, Mr. Tovar pursued an education at East Los Angeles College, from which he earned an Associate of Arts in French studies in 1972. He continued his studies with a Bachelor of Arts in French language and literature from California State University, Fullerton, in 1974. Mr. Tovar ultimately graduated with a master’s degree in library science and information management from the University of Southern California in 1981.
Mentorship has been central to Mr. Tovar’s philosophy; he attributes his success to guidance received from influential figures such as Flora Bailes, a former music teacher turned librarian who gave him his first job, and Elizabeth Martinez, who held prominent leadership positions including executive director of American Library Association. Their support inspired him not only to excel but also to mentor others entering the profession.
Mr. Tovar’s initial interest in libraries was sparked by his own experiences as an avid reader guided by attentive librarians who recognized his passion for science fiction literature. This early encouragement led him through successive roles from page to clerk before embarking on his formal education and eventual leadership positions.
Born in Los Angeles, Mr. Tovar enjoys listening to music, spending time in nature, reading about American history and listening to nonfiction audiobooks. He hopes his legacy will be defined by passion for his profession, genuine enjoyment of his work and meaningful contributions made throughout his career. Mr. Tovar’s lifelong commitment to connecting communities through libraries stands as testament to his enduring impact on public service and education across Southern California.
Mr. Tovar’s family life has also been shaped by dedication to service; his spouse has held significant roles as a hospital nutrition administrator and nutrition director for a state hospital in California. Despite health challenges requiring dialysis treatment three times weekly due to diabetes-related kidney issues, she remains active on the transplant list at the University of Southern California, awaiting a kidney transplant.
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