The Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library welcomes new Director, Karim Kahn, effective Aug. 18.
“We believe Karim’s professional experience and passion for community libraries make him uniquely suited to lead MFRL and to continue to expand the excellent services we provide our patrons,” says Margaret Christle, MFRL Board of Trustees Member, District E, and Library Director Search Committee Chair.
As Director, Khan will serve as the chief executive officer of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library System. He will administer all library functions within the parameters established by the Library Board of Trustees, as well as serve as the official representative of the Library.
“We have seen such an exciting transformation with the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library over the last several years,” said Mary Biggs, member of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, District F, and Board of Supervisors liaison to the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library Board of Trustees. “We are very excited to welcome Karim to this position and watch how one of our communities’ most valued assets, our library, will continue to stay relevant and experience growth under his leadership.”
Since August 2007, Khan was the Branch Manager of the Loudoun County Public Library. Prior to that, he served as the Head of Reference Services for the Loudoun County Public Library from 2001 until 2007. Prior to his experience at Loudoun County Public Library, he was an Information Analyst as well as an Internet Systems Engineer for MITRE Corporation. From 1984 until 1993, Khan was a Library Assistant at Fairfax County Public Library.
Khan is originally from Winchester, Va.; however, he grew up in Falls Church, Va. He graduated from the Catholic University of America in 1997 with a masters of science degree in library science. In 1992, he graduated from Hollins University with a Master of Arts degree in English and a poetry concentration in the writing program. He attended James Madison University for his undergraduate degree and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1984.
Khan claims reading is one of his top hobbies and has recently read: Glass House by Brian Alexander; Capital in the 21st Century by Thomas Piketty; Code Name Verity and Rose Under Fire both by Elizabeth Wein; and Ordinary Light by Tracy K. Smith. In addition, he states that he enjoys hiking, traveling, and music, playing both the guitar and the banjo.
