TCPL Director Candidate Presentation

Program Type:

Board of Trustees, Other

Age Group:

Adults

About this event:

The Tompkins County Public Library Board of Trustees invites the community to hear from a finalist candidate for Library Director. Following the presentation, those in attendance will be invited to take part in a Question-and-Answer session.

The presentation will also stream on the TCPL YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/W3yvT9wqjUE?feature=share 

The Candidate

Susie Gutenberger Fitzpatrick is currently the director of the Lansing Community Library in Lansing, N.Y. Since taking on the role in 2008, Gutenberger Fitzpatrick has helped grow LCL from having one staff member, to having a staff of 16 in addition to 60 volunteer positions. She also secured the Library’s absolute charter and 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, created an endowment fund now worth more than $200,000 and has grown programming by 85% and circulation by 70% during her tenure. Finger Lakes Library System named Gutenberger Fitzpatrick Library Director of the Year in 2016 and presented her with its Youth Services Award in 2010.

Gutenberger Fitzpatrick currently serves on the Ithaca Town Board as well as the Tompkins Chamber Board of Directors. She is also an accomplished pastry chef, having been named one of Bon Appétit magazine’s top ten pastry chefs in the U.S. during her time as an executive pastry chef in Chicago.

The Presentation

Each candidate has been asked to give a 20-minute presentation on three topics Library stakeholders have identified as priorities, and discuss what practices and strategies they would employ to advance those priorities, and how they would determine their success.

The possible topics:

  • Sustainable and Responsible Stewardship of Resources
  • Resources and Services that Align with Community Interests and Needs
  • Community hub with a Welcoming and Knowledgeable Staff
  • Communicating library priorities and policies
  • Aesthetically Inviting and Safe Space
  • Opportunities to Make Community Connections
Feedback

Following the presentation, those in attendance or watching online can fill out a survey here: https://www.tcpl.org/2025-director-candidate-presentation-survey 

The Library Director Search Committee will use this feedback as part of their decision-making process.