Kansas City Public Library Director and Chief Executive John Herron has announced his resignation, effective December 31, 2023.

Herron came to the Library in July 2020 after more than two decades in higher education, the last 17 at the University of Missouri-Kansas City as an assistant professor of history and then interim dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and associate vice provost for innovation.

“It is time for me to take a step back, spend time with my family, and reflect on new possibilities and challenges for the future," Herron said. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Library and our community, and I know the Library will continue to grow and thrive.”

Pete Browne, president of the Library’s board of trustees, said he and the board are grateful to Herron for his service to the Library over the past 3½ years and wish him well in the future.

Browne said the board is setting up a timeline for naming an interim director and launching a search for Herron’s permanent successor.

“We are thankful to have an experienced and strong executive leadership team in place to ensure a smooth transition,” Browne said, “and the Library will continue its tradition in our community as a doorway to knowledge and a place open to all for information and discovery.”