Karen Bosch Cobb

Karen Bosch Cobb was County Librarian of Fresno County, California, a large system that includes a Central Library, 34 branches, 3 bookmobiles and correctional facilities in metropolitan and rural settings. Fresno County’s unemployment consistently trends higher than national and state averages and is exacerbated by seasonal agricultural layoffs. For over ten years providing job resources was a priority at the library. She worked with county departments, government agencies and non-profits to solve regional issues and develop e-government. Throughout her 37+ year career in public library work, including positions with community and branch libraries, Ms. Cobb has personally worked with agencies or directed staff to work with agencies to meet community needs. She has experience working with urban and rural libraries and understands the unique role branch libraries can play in their communities to meet community needs. In the broader community, her 25 years of volunteer work on the Board and Supervisory Committee of the Fresno County Federal Credit Union gave her insight into the business world. Ms. Cobb earned her Masters in Library Science at the University of California, Berkeley.