CLEVELAND — In a private ceremony at the Cleveland Public Library’s East 131st Street branch, Justin Bibb was sworn in as mayor shortly after midnight Monday, becoming Cleveland’s first new mayor in 16 years. 

Bibb replaced Frank Jackson, whose fourth and final term ended Sunday night. 

Judge Michael L. Nelson Sr. administered the oath of office. 

Bibb will hold a ceremonial swearing in Saturday at 2 p.m.at Music Hall in the Public Auditorium. The event will be held virtually with only family, essential staff and members of the media due to COVID-19. The Bibb campaign said that 1,200 people had registered before the event switched to being held virtually. 

Shortly after being sworn in, Bibb administered the oath of office to Mark Griffin as the mayor office’s chief legal counsel. Bibb’s campaign previously said that several other cabinet members would get sworn in during his first day in office. 

Bibb said his journey to becoming mayor started at the library. 

“As a poor Black boy from the southeast side who was 10 years old trying to find my way into a very complicated world, this place, this place was my refuge,” Bibb said. 

Bibb gave a brief address about his vision for mayor. 

“I take this oath to make sure that we in Cleveland can show America what governing should look like in the future,” Bibb said. “We all know that democracy is at stake right now in America. We know that D.C. is broken. Change isn’t coming from Washington any time soon. It’s not. It’s going to come from cities like Cleveland, Boston, Tulsa and New York, and I’m sure we’re going to lead the way.”

In the days ahead, Bibb will be tasked with rounding out his staff. He will also need to hire a new chief of police as Chief Calvin Williams steps down today. Deputy Chief Dornat “Wayne” Drummond will serve in the interim until Bibb hires a permanent replacement.