Peter Coyl

Librarian and Intellectual Freedom Advocate

Peter Coyl leads California's fourth-largest public library system, the Sacramento Public Library—the same library where he received his first library card at age 5. His more than two-decade career has spanned two countries and five states. He is a member of the ALA Executive Board and a past president of the Freedom to Read Foundation.

He is passionate about the mission of public libraries and defending the right of individual readers to choose what they want to read. He believes in the transformative power books have to educate and change lives.

Portrait of Peter Coyl
“I believe the library is the great equalizer. Anyone can come into the library and find what they’re looking for.”
Peter Coyl on librariesKCRA 3, October 24, 2024

Peter holds a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (with a concentration in Youth Services) from Drexel University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and Public Policy from Oakland University. He also studied abroad in Beijing and Taipei.

Peter in front of the Arcade Library
Peter in front of the Arcade Library in 2022. He received his first library card at this branch at age 5.

Leadership

Since January 2022, Peter has been Library Director and CEO of the Sacramento Public Library Authority, a Joint Powers Agency serving the 1.5 million residents of Sacramento County and the cities of Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Galt, Isleton, Rancho Cordova, and Sacramento. Its 28 libraries serve one of the nation’s most diverse populations throughout the over 950 square miles of urban, suburban, and rural service area. It is the 18th largest public library in the nation by population served. The Authority’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget is $69.9 million, with 343.5 full-time-equivalent staff positions.

Under his leadership:

  • In November 2024, Sacramento city voters approved Measure E with 74.2% of the vote. Library Journal listed it among the election’s notable wins.
  • Digital checkouts have passed 5 million fiscal year to date as of June 2026, up from about 3.6 million in fiscal year 2023, and in-person visits reached 2.34 million.
  • The systemwide rebrand and website relaunch in November 2025 earned six industry and library awards, including 2026 Marketer of the Year by Library Journal.
  • In 2026 the Urban Libraries Council selected the Authority for its Journalists in the Library initiative, one of eight libraries nationally and one of two in California, in partnership with PBS KVIE.
  • In August 2022 the Authority and SacRT launched the Sacramento Rolling Library, a light rail train styled as a library where riders scan QR codes for free downloads.
  • In 2022 the Sacramento Public Library was honored with a Burnett Award by the Sacramento History Alliance.
  • The Urban Libraries Council gave the Authority's Sexual Health Resource Cabinets pilot with Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, at 12 branches, an Innovations Initiative Honorable Mention.
  • The Authority issued limited edition library cards with the Sacramento Kings in 2023 and Sacramento Republic FC in 2026.
  • Oversaw Authority involvement in 12 library projects funded by $22.35 million in State Library Building Forward grants.
Rep. Doris Matsui and Peter Coyl
Congresswoman Matsui and Peter Coyl
“Few people love libraries the way my dear friend Peter Coyl does. He and the Sacramento Public Library team make sure everyone always feels welcome.”
Congresswoman Doris MatsuiPublic Facebook post, October 11, 2026

Rebrand

The Authority’s systemwide rebrand and website relaunch in November 2025 gave all 28 libraries a unified visual identity. Developed with the creative agency Pastilla after input from more than 1,400 community members, it has earned six awards in 2026.

Advertising and design industry Recognition

“Libraries can learn from retail without becoming retail.”
Peter Coyl on library designContributor, Future Scenarios: Library Space & Design,
Urban Libraries Council, September 2026

Building Sacramento's libraries

Working with the member jurisdictions, the Authority is renovating nearly half its facilities thanks to the Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program through the California State Library. The $22.35 million in State Library grants for 12 library projects have included ADA enhancements, HVAC replacements, the full renovation of an existing facility, and the full renovation (adaptive reuse) of two existing buildings into replacement facilities. Four library building renovation projects will complete within a twelve month period ending in early 2027.

  1. March 2026
    Colonial Heights Library

    Colonial Heights Library

    In July 2024, a fire unexpectedly closed the library for a year and a half. Peter directed its recovery and a renovation of more than $1 million while already managing the 12 Building Forward projects. It partially reopened in December 2025 and resumed full operations in March 2026.

  2. August 2026
    Martin Luther King Jr. Library

    Martin Luther King Jr. Library

    Reopened in August 2026 after an 18-month internal renovation, led by City of Sacramento Public Works, that cost $11.2 million. The project added a makerspace, two study rooms, universal multi-access restrooms for visitors of all gender identities, expanded children’s and teen spaces, and a larger community room. It was the first major renovation since the building opened in 1970.

    2026 Project of the YearAmerican Public Works Association (APWA) Sacramento Chapter

    Year in Architecture 2026Library Journal

    Sacramento Bee: “Meadowview branch of Sacramento library reopening after $8.3M renovation”

  3. October 2026
    Elk Grove Library

    Elk Grove Library

    Opened in October 2026 in a former Rite Aid building, the renovation, led by City of Elk Grove Public Works, cost $15.3 million. The 18,147-square-foot library includes a makerspace, a library of things, a teen space, a children’s area with a covered outdoor patio, three study rooms, a quiet reading room, a larger meeting room, and an after-hours book locker.

    SMUD Carbon Free ChampionSacramento County Business Environmental Resource Center (BERC)

    Sacramento Bee: “Elk Grove’s new library opens with more space, new tech. Here’s a look inside”

    Sacramento News & Review: “Elk Grove opens new library with makerspace and more room”

  4. 2027
    North Sacramento-Hagginwood Library site

    North Sacramento-Hagginwood Library

    The renovation of the former Sacramento News & Review building will replace the current 4,000-square-foot library with a new library of nearly 19,000 square feet. The full interior renovation, led by City of Sacramento Public Works, includes meeting and community rooms, a makerspace, and a Friends of the Library book sale area. The large oak tree and the murals on the exterior walls will be preserved. Opening expected in early 2027.

    Sacramento Bee: “Former SN&R building is being turned into a Sacramento library. When could it open?”

“Libraries have always been open places for everybody.”
Peter Coyl on the role of librariesPublishers Weekly, 2017

Earlier leadership

Montclair Public Library, New Jersey

Library Director, 2017 to 2021

Led one of New Jersey's busiest library systems. Launched an electric Tuk-Tuk mobile library, led the library's 125th anniversary, and restored its 1752 Azariah Crane land deed. Kept services running through the COVID-19 pandemic under significant funding constraints.

Dallas Public Library

Assistant Branch Manager, Branch Manager, and District Manager, 2011 to 2017

While Manager of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library (a 646,000-square-foot building with eight public floors), the seventh floor underwent a $6 million renovation adding exhibit space, meeting rooms, and improved storage and climate control for the Dallas History and Archives collections. He was also involved in the 2016 Dallas Book Festival.

Other positions

Bookmobile Driver, International School Librarian, Library Advisory Commission Member, and Chief of Staff at a State Legislature.

“There’s a thought that libraries are all about books. That’s our bread and butter and mission. But we also do so much more than that.”
Peter Coyl on librariesSacramento News & Review, August 28, 2024
Peter Coyl at the Sacramento Public Library
Peter at the Sacramento Public Library.

Intellectual Freedom

Peter’s belief in the freedom to read led him to serve on the American Library Association Intellectual Freedom Committee and as President of the Freedom to Read Foundation. As ALA Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) Councilor, he introduced the “Resolution Reaffirming ALA’s Commitment to Intellectual Freedom and Issuing a Call to Action,” which ALA Council passed unanimously at the 2024 ALA Annual Conference in San Diego.

Peter Coyl at an intellectual freedom event

Freedom to Read Foundation

Executive Board 2019 to 2020, Vice President 2020 to 2022, President 2022 to 2023

During his presidency:

  • Little v. Llano County (2023). The Foundation filed an amicus brief in the Fifth Circuit in a case brought by Texas library patrons over books removed from county library shelves.
  • Arkansas Act 372 (2023). The Foundation joined a coalition of libraries, booksellers, publishers, authors, and readers suing over a law that would have exposed librarians and booksellers to criminal prosecution. A federal court blocked key provisions in July 2023 and declared them unconstitutional in December 2024.

Hood County, Texas

2015

As Chair of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Round Table (GLBTRT), Peter co-authored a letter with the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom defending the Hood County Library against a challenge to LGBT children's books. He spoke at the hearing and was interviewed by media outlets on the issues. The Texas Tribune and ProPublica later described it as a forerunner of the national book-banning fight.

“…every person in this country has a right to find [any] information in their local library.”
Peter Coyl on access to informationLos Angeles Times, April 23, 2023
Peter Coyl speaking at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Peter speaking at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books in 2023.

Advocacy

Peter’s defense of the First Amendment has taken him to public meetings and the Capitol. His work to preserve intellectual freedom and library funding continues. With efforts to remove E-Rate, defund other broadband access programs, and eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), speaking out to elected officials and partners is more important than ever.

Peter has worked to make library spaces safe and welcoming for every patron. He has championed gender-neutral restrooms at conferences and in libraries, and from 2019 to 2021 he served on the Public Library Association Task Force on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice. He also understands the concerns of library workers and supported the adoption of the Librarians’ and Library Workers’ Bill of Rights during the 2026 ALA Annual Conference in Chicago.

“Everyone needs to be seen and represented in the library.”
Peter Coyl on libraries and controversial programsAmerican Libraries, June 24, 2019
Group photo in front of the U.S. Capitol at ALA National Legislative Day
Peter Coyl and fellow library advocates in front of the U.S. Capitol at ALA National Legislative Day, March 2026.
“…a lifeline to many libraries across the country.”
Peter Coyl on funding from the Institute of Museum and Library ServicesSpectrum News, March 2026
Peter Coyl being interviewed by the media
Peter being interviewed by the media in 2026.

Peter has also been interviewed on a variety of topics about public libraries across the country in the media including C-SPAN, NPR, Huffington Post, Newsweek, Forbes, ProPublica, the Los Angeles Times, Library Journal, American Libraries, among others.

In the media

“Call Number Podcast: Protecting the Right to Read,” American Libraries, September 11, 2023.

“Libraries staying relevant in a digital world for Sacramento and beyond,” Stephanie Olvido, Sacramento News & Review, August 28, 2024.

“How a proposed California law could end book bans in public libraries,” Gerardo Zavala, Capital Public Radio, September 5, 2024.

“Sacramento voters to decide on future of public library funding with Measure E,” Lee Anne Denyer, KCRA 3, October 24, 2024.

“The right to read freely is an American right.”
Peter Coyl on the right to readLos Angeles Times, April 23, 2023
Peter Coyl featured on C-SPAN's Book TV

Presentations

Peter has presented at national library conferences and various state conferences, webinars, and talks at universities and community events across the United States and Canada. He has spoken on intellectual freedom, censorship and book banning, and First Amendment issues, including free speech in the workplace, as well as other topics.

Selected presentations

Service and recognition

Professional service

Peter Coyl speaking at ALA Council
Peter speaking at ALA Council in 2023.

American Library Association (ALA)

  • Executive Board, 2024 to 2027
  • Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) Councilor, 2021 to 2024
  • Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2017 to 2019 and 2020 to 2022
  • Core Values Task Force, 2022 to 2024
  • President’s Advisory Committee, Member 2023 to 2025
  • Public Library Association (PLA) Task Force on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice, 2019 to 2021
  • Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Round Table (GLBTRT): Chair-Elect 2014 to 2015, Chair 2015 to 2016, Past-Chair 2016 to 2017
  • Stonewall Book Awards Committee: Member 2012 to 2014, Chair 2013 to 2014

Freedom to Read Foundation

  • Executive Board 2019 to 2020, Vice President 2020 to 2022, President 2022 to 2023

State library associations

  • California Library Association Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2023 to 2026
  • New Jersey Library Association Intellectual Freedom Subcommittee, Chair 2021 to 2022
  • Texas Library Association Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2016 to 2017

Personal recognition

Community Service

Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA)

  • Community Action Board Member, 2022 to present

Rotary Club of Sacramento

  • Member, 2023 to present
  • Executive Board, 2025 to 2027

Rotary Club of Montclair

  • Member, 2017 to 2021