In honor of Women's History Month, the Library is taking a look back at some of the remarkable women who changed The New York Public Library—and the field of librarianship—forever with our new series, Foreword: Women Who Built NYPL. Each week this March, we will be sharing reflections from our current staff on how the impact of these trailblazing figures from the Library's 125-year history are still felt today. 

About Esther K. Johnston

Esther K. Johnston was a pioneering librarian whose dedication to public service and love for librarianship helped her smash the glass ceiling. Hired as First Assistant at Seward Park in 1916 and then promoted to the head of the branch in 1917, she worked to develop collections and programming to engage the various immigrant groups in the rapidly changing Lower East Side community. In 1943, when the head of branches went overseas for World War II, she was named acting head—and in 1947, she was officially appointed chief, the first woman ever to hold that job. This was a major milestone for both NYPL and the profession: she was the highest-ranking woman in the profession when she was named chief, even as most librarians at that time were women. Johnston, a strong-willed mid-Westerner who had come to New York to make a difference, broke ground for women, fighting through hurdles like having to deliver her monthly reports to a committee that frequently met at a men’s club. 

Esther K. Johnston’s Legacy

Reflection by Caryl Matute, Deputy Director, Branch Libraries and Education

Looking back at my almost 23-year career at The New York Public Library, I can’t help but make comparisons to a formidable powerhouse of a librarian named Esther K. Johnson, the first woman to lead our branches. 

Esther always knew she wanted to be a librarian. Armed with her library school certificate, she trailblazed her way into head librarian roles in various cities until she came to the Lower East Side in Manhattan. There, at the Seward Park Library, she worked with vibrant immigrant communities, always searching for new ways to better serve their unique needs. 

I feel Esther and I are both different and similar at the same time. Different because, unlike Esther, this was not my first choice as a career. Different, because I learned about librarianship as a career when I was a patron at my neighborhood public library, where, as an immigrant myself, I got my first email account, email lesson, and access to, what to me, seemed like unlimited free books to read and enjoy. 

But we are also very similar. First, our passions are the same. Helping people. Serving the public. Being resourceful. Finding ways to ensure all New Yorkers have access to knowledge and the tools they need to succeed. Similar, in that I spent some time as interim head of our branches, as Esther did before being officially appointed head. It was Esther, and so many other strong women before me, who paved the way for me to have that opportunity. I must confess that, though I followed in her footsteps, I can’t credit myself with her strength. While there are always challenges, I never had to, for example, ride the service elevator in a men’s-only private club to make my monthly reports. Because of Esther, her bravery and strength and dedication, I only have to imagine what that was like. How it must have felt riding up the elevator, having the doors open, and walking out into a room full of men to join a meeting—in the 1940s and '50s. It makes me even prouder to follow in her footsteps today. 

When I read about her, I can’t help but see in myself how that urge to do something meaningful propelled me to chart a path future leaders at NYPL could follow. It’s why I do my best to act as a mentor, trainer, and advisor to other librarians, both new and seasoned in the profession, and to future library school graduates that I meet. If I can inspire future librarians the way that Esther inspires me, that would be the best way to honor her legacy.

One of my stints at NYPL took me down to the Lower East Side to work in the same branch that she did, Seward Park. There was a sense of camaraderie as I walked down the halls, sat in the offices, and as I walked through the same neighborhoods. I enjoyed the smell of pickles that she, way back in the early 20th century, noted as a signature feature in the air on the Lower East Side. There is still the aroma of Chinese and Italian food (and the most amazing donuts you can imagine—but enough about that). That neighborhood, and our whole city, is different—better—because of the work Esther and the NYPL did. We serve and strengthen communities, and to continue that work is an honor. Esther Johnston should never be forgotten—and never will be, as long as so many librarians continue her work.

This is part of the Foreword: Women Who Built NYPL series.  Find out  how the Library is celebrating Women's History Month with recommended reading, events and programs, and more.