Newly appointed Boston Public ?Library President David Leonard says he is “thrilled, humbled and hon-ored,” as he prepares to take the reins following a bumpy period for the historic institution.

“It’s a mixture of being thrilled, humbled and honored,” Leonard told the Herald after being unanimously approved by the board of trustees yesterday morning. “The entire year has been a unique year for the library — so it’s a little bit surreal as well.”

Leonard, 49, has been serving as the library’s interim president for the past year after the library’s former president, Amy Ryan, resigned after two valuable pieces of art went missing.

Both were later found in the ?library’s archives.

Leonard’s appointment comes days after San Jose, Calif., library Director Jill Bourne turned down the position, citing personal reasons.

A naturalized U.S. citizen from Dublin, Ireland, Leonard said he is particularly passionate about seeing the library “take a more active role in supporting new immigrants.”

Leonard said one of his first conversations after accepting the position was with Daniel Koh, Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s chief of staff, who offered the mayor’s full support.

“We are a critical part of Mayor Walsh’s vision around healthy, thriving and innovative communities,” Leonard said. “One of the reasons ?I am so passionate about this job and wanting this role. The library has the opportunity to truly impact people’s lives throughout Boston and throughout the commonwealth, whether it’s someone looking for a job or a safe space for their kids and teenagers.”

In a statement yesterday, Walsh said: “I am thrilled David Leonard is the new president of the Boston Public Library and look forward to seeing the BPL thrive under his continued leadership.”