Outgoing Director of Marketing leaves a legacy of 18 years

This Spring marks the end of Charlie Goldberg’s 18-year legacy as the Library Foundation’s Director of Marketing.

During his tenure, Charlie has been a critical part of the team that changed the public opinion of libraries and the role public investments have to help them thrive.

When Charlie started with us almost two decades ago, his office was on the second floor of the old library on E Street. Back then, there was little confidence a new central library could ever be built, including among some library staff who had seen decades of inactivity. 

Six years after Charlie started with the Library Foundation, and with $75 million in private investment, the Central Library opened. ​“It is gratifying to be part of the team that made that library-changing event happen, in addition to the opening of new libraries in Mission Hills and San Ysidro only a few years later,” he said. Charlie’s also proud of programs like READ/​San Diego, Adult High School, and IDEA Labs that exist because of Library Foundation work.

“I’m glad we helped change the narrative about libraries. Unlike 18 years ago, we rarely hear ​‘Why do we need libraries with the internet?’ People better understand the broad, foundational impact libraries make on so many areas of our community’s health. Now we just need to make sure public investments match that.” 

Charlie looks forward to spending more time with family on both coasts. He is interested to see the new directions the Library Foundation and library will take in the coming years. ​“Foundation and library staff are so dedicated and committed to the mission. I am excited to see what’s next!”