LA HABRA HEIGHTS, CA, November 11, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Albert Tovar has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Tovar, a native of Los Angeles, has established a distinguished career in public library administration and community service, culminating in his retirement as public library director, administrator and nonprofit board president. His professional journey reflects decades of leadership, advocacy and dedication to fostering connections between libraries and the communities they serve.

Starting in 2001, Mr. Tovar served as director and administrator of the Azusa City Library, where he was responsible for overseeing the operation of the city's main library. He developed comprehensive plans of service, managed the library budget and regularly defended it before the city council. Reporting directly to the assistant city manager, he participated in city council meetings to address inquiries from council members. As a member of the executive management team—comprising approximately 15 directors—he contributed to policy decisions, strategic planning and emergency preparedness for the city. Mr. Tovar also represented both the city and its library at official functions.

From 2001 to 2009, Mr. Tovar served as director of library services and department head for the City of Azusa, while concurrently holding the position of administrator at Azusa City Library during this period. In these capacities, he played a pivotal role in strengthening relationships between the library, local schools and community organizations. Upon his arrival, he encountered strained relations with the school district and city entities. Through persistent outreach over a year, he successfully negotiated a joint venture agreement with the school district to develop plans for a new library facility. His efforts extended to a continuing collaboration with Azusa Pacific University to engage students in federal work-study programs and provide math tutoring at the library. Mr. Tovar prioritized visibility within the community by actively participating in events and networking opportunities, ensuring that both he and the library remained integral parts of civic life.

Prior to his tenure in Azusa, Mr. Tovar built an extensive career with the LA County Public Library. From 1980 to 2001, he held the position of senior librarian, following three years as librarian from 1977 to 1980. In these roles, he contributed to countywide library services, program development and staff mentorship. His early professional experience began as a library assistant at Automobile Club Southern California in Los Angeles from 1976 to 1977.

Mr. Tovar's commitment to professional advancement is further demonstrated by his involvement in industry organizations and advisory groups. He has been an active member of the diversity council for the Information Studies Department at the University of California, Los Angeles since 2012 and served as chair of the California State University Fullerton Latino Advisory Committee for Los Amigos Education Committee in 2013. He was chapter president of The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking Los Angeles Chapter of (REFORMA) from 1984 to 1985 after co-founding its Los Angeles chapter in 1981. Additionally, he contributed to statewide initiatives as a member of the master plan task force for the California State Library in 1983 and maintains lifetime membership with both REFORMA and the American Library Association.

Mr. Tovar's leadership extended into civic engagement through roles such as president of Reforma, Los Angeles Chapter, from 1984 to 1985, membership on the community advisory council for the American Cancer Society, Northeast Unit, Pasadena (CA) in 1984 and participation on the 16th September Festival Committee for the LA County Department of Parks and Recreation from 1982 to 1984.

Mr. Tovar's academic background laid a strong foundation for his career achievements. He earned a master's degree in library science and information management from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles in 1981 after completing a Bachelor of Arts in French language and literature at California State University Fullerton in 1974 and an Associate of Arts in French studies from East Los Angeles College in Monterey Park in 1972.

Throughout his career, Mr. Tovar attributes his success to influential mentors who guided him at various stages—most notably Flora Bailes and Elizabeth Martinez—and his deliberate approach to building relationships across all organizational levels. Inspired by an early mentor who recognized his passion for reading science fiction, Mr. Tovar began working as a page shelving books before advancing through increasingly responsible positions under Flora Bailes and Elizabeth Martinez's continued guidance.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Mr. Tovar has demonstrated ongoing commitment to community health and education initiatives as president of the board for Rosie's Garage since 2011 and president of the board for the Latino Community Diabetes Council since 2001.

Mr. Tovar has also contributed scholarly work as co-author of "Ethnic Collections in Libraries," published in 1983, and as a contributor to various professional journals. His contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the President's Award in 1996, multiple awards of honor from the American Diabetes Association of 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 Northeast Unit, Pasadena, California.

In his personal life, he enjoys listening to music, spending time in nature, reading about American history, listening to audiobooks—particularly nonfiction—and spending time with his family. Mr. Tovar's legacy is defined by his dedication to connecting libraries with their communities and his lifelong advocacy for literacy and education. He lives by the philosophy that everything is possible if one is persistent and engages in activities that bring joy.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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